KUCHING: The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has officially handed over the site to contractors for the upgrading of playground safety flooring at Kuching Park.
The project reflects MBKS’ continuous commitment to ensuring public spaces remain safe, sustainable, and enjoyable for all, particularly for children, families, and senior citizens.
The handover was officiated by MBKS Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng and observed by Deputy Mayor Datuk Zaeidi Suhaili, councillors and representative of contractor.
According to Wee, the initiative aligns with the Child-Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) and efforts toward creating an age-friendly city.
“By providing a safer playground environment for children and a more accessible, comfortable public space for families and senior citizens, the project aims to strengthen Kuching as a city that truly supports wellbeing across all ages,” he said in a statement today.
The upgrading project forms part of MBKS’ CFCI Action Plan under Theme 4: Every Child Participates, specifically Outcome 4: Child-Friendly Green and Garden City Participation.
“Through this initiative, the council is enhancing public parks with child-friendly designs that encourage children to play, interact, and participate actively in a safe and supportive environment,” the statement said.
The use of rubber safety flooring is a key element of this child-friendly design, as it significantly improves impact absorption and reduces the risk of injury, ensuring a safer play experience for children.
The upgrading works will involve the removal of existing worn-out rubber flooring and its replacement with a new impact-absorbing playground safety surface made from recycled SBR, or Styrene-Butadiene Rubber, granules.
The top layer will be finished with colour-coated SBR granules, creating a surface that is not only safer but also more attractive and durable.
The project is particularly meaningful as it uses local recycled materials.
The SBR granules are produced from end-of-life tyres that are recovered, processed, and repurposed locally into high-value products for public infrastructure.
This supports the principles of the circular economy, where waste is transformed into useful resources.
“Through this approach, MBKS aims to help reduce landfill waste, minimise environmental pollution, and promote a more responsible and efficient use of materials,” the statement added.
The initiative is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by adhering to SDG 3, 11 and 12.
“At MBKS, we believe that safe, well-maintained, and sustainable playground facilities are essential in fostering active lifestyles, encouraging social interaction, and enhancing the overall quality of life of our community,” it said further.
“This project is not only about upgrading physical infrastructure, but also about strengthening our responsibility towards child safety, community wellbeing, and environmental stewardship.”
The project has been awarded to Era Rafiqa Sdn Bhd, and the upgrading works are expected to be completed by February 21.
During this period, for the safety of the public, all playground facilities at Kuching Park will be temporarily closed.
MBKS sincerely seeks the understanding and cooperation of the public while these improvement works are being carried out.
