KUALA LUMPUR – The installation of a permanent fence around Padang Merbok here has drawn the ire of two federal lawmakers, with Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh saying it sends the wrong message.
In a press conference today, she also questioned if the structure erected by the city hall is a reaction to the Malaysian Bar’s Walk for Judicial Independence held in June at the venue.
“Is it because of the protest that happened last June, that DBKL responded by putting up a permanent fence like this?”
She added that erecting permanent fences on public facilities like this does not make sense.
Yeoh, who is a former deputy women, family, and community development minister, said the issue was raised on Twitter by a resident who frequently uses the facility.
The matter was also extended to the Federal Territories Ministry through deputy minister Datuk Jamaluddin Alias.
“The deputy minister responded on August 2, saying that DBKL was upgrading Padang Merbok and the contractor had to close and install a fence for the upgrading work.
“When I came today, this fence didn’t look like it was used for upgrading work, but it looks permanent. I think this shouldn’t happen because we only have this (Padang Merbok) and Dataran Merdeka for the public to use in KL.
“When there is a fence like this, it is as if we are sending a message – not everyone can use it,” said Yeoh.
She added that her parliamentary office was not informed about the project even though this is part of her constituency.
Also at the press conference was Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil who said the action is wrong as it is public property and a fence will prevent the community from using the field.
“If this is a permanent fence, many recreational activities will be disrupted. We will support the project if it is necessary to upgrade the field, but this fence seems unnecessary as it involves high costs.”
Both have urged the Federal Territories Ministry to clarify the cost incurred to install the fence.
According to DBKL’s information board on site, the installation gates, anti-climbing perimeter, and upgrading of the soft landscape at Padang Merbok were carried out from April 21 to June 30. – The Vibes, August 6, 2022
