MIRI: Safety improvements are needed at the newly completed Taman Lopeng Baru recreation park, particularly around its drainage areas, according to Senadin assemblyman Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.
He raised the concerns during a site inspection of the park, which was developed under the Rural Transformation Project (RTP) 2025.
He said railings should be installed along sections where open drains run beside the recreation area, as the drop could pose a risk to children using the park.
He also called for proper crossings over the drains, with handrails on both sides.
“The safety of the children must come first. Where there are hazards, we need to address them and make the necessary improvements,” Lee said.
Lee, who is Transport Minister, also pointed to what he described as deterioration of some of the materials used for the children’s playground equipment.
He said the affected components should be repaired or replaced by the contractor and supplier.
He said he had asked the Miri City Council engineers to take note of the issues and ensure they were rectified.
Lee also said payment should not be made until the outstanding work had been completed satisfactorily.
“We should not pay first. The work must be completed properly,” he said, adding that a retention sum should be maintained to cover defects during the warranty period.
According to the project brief, the RM250,000 recreation park project was implemented by the council under Senadin’s RTP 2025 allocation.
The project includes a covered drainage system that also functions as a pedestrian walkway, children’s play equipment, four LED solar garden lights and nine benches.
The project began on Jan 12, 2026, with an original completion date of May 11.
A 67-day extension was subsequently granted, with the revised completion date set for July 17. The project brief records physical progress at 100 per cent and its status as completed.
Lee said the contractor and supplier should honour the stated one-year warranty and rectify any defects that emerge during the warranty period.
