The Malaysian Insight

AN entry fee may be imposed at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa to curb vandalism at the famous recreational park, said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

Although it is uncommon for public parks to have such charges, the Taman Tasik Titiwangsa owner said it would be left with no other choice if people fail to appreciate and preserve the newly refurbished park.

DBKL senior assistant director (architecture) Noor Fazlina Rosley told The Malaysian Insight that the entry fee is among the proposals being considered after vandals and litterbugs went on a spree a mere five hours into its December 15 reopening.

Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, which has been around since the British occupation, was closed to visitors on September 1 last year to allow for upgrading works as part of the River of Life project, involving 20.2ha of its 46.14ha.

“We’ve received a number of proposals to protect the park from vandals and litterbugs. In fact, some ministries suggested that we impose an entry fee to ensure that visitors are more considerate,” said Noor Fazlina.

“Actually, we are not in favour of charging entry fees at public parks. They are a government facility for the public.

“We usually impose a charge when a public place is handed over to a private party to run. But in this case, we ourselves will collect the fee if the proposal is implemented.”

To further protect the park, she said, DBKL will put up new perimeter fencing and install more closed-circuit television cameras.

“The fence and CCTVs will better protect the park, as well as visitors at night.

“We will make a decision on the entry fee once we have installed the new fence.”

The park, formerly a tin mine, made the news after an inspection conducted on the day of its reopening showed signboards vandalised, rubbish thrown indiscriminately, bicycles being offered for rent by an unlicensed operator and visitors riding the bikes on the jogging track.

Checks in the following days revealed plants and grass trampled on and soiled nappies left in the playground and children’s pool areas. Faeces were also found on the slides.

This led to Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad ordering the installation of more CCTVs and security to be beefed up.

Visitors told The Malaysian Insight they are deeply disappointed with some of their fellow citizens.

Mohamad Jabar Rusli said the importance of protecting public facilities must be taught early on and that the government should hold more educational campaigns.

“It is difficult if people are simply not interested to protect the environment. Awareness must be instilled in kids by their parents at a young age,” said the 29-year-old father of two.

Zulkifli Hassan, 42, said Taman Tasik Titiwangsa must be taken care of by all.

DBKL’s Noor Fazlina, the project director for the upgrading works, said she hopes visitors leaving the park take with them good memories – as well as their rubbish.

“I am disappointed with this ‘work’ by irresponsible people. Would they simply discard soiled nappies around their house?” – December 30, 2019.