The Malaysian Insight

KUALA Lumpur folk are relieved that they are allowed to exercise at City Hall (DBKL) parks during the ongoing movement-control order (MCO) period.

However, those interviewed were also quick to add that users must have self-discipline and community responsibility to ensure they do everything possible to stop the spread of Covid-19.

They said users should practise the health protocols and standard operating procedure (SOP) at all times, and for DBKL to keep a close watch on the users and their behaviour.

A jogger, who only wants to be known as Addy, 36, said it is important to exercise during the MCO, which is why it is a good idea to keep the parks open.

“I do admit that the number of Covid-19 cases are very high but those coming to exercise at the parks should take care of themselves and always maintain the SOP.

“Public parks must be allowed to be open for joggers and cyclists but with very strict SOP where the people should be controlled. The parks must only be allowed for those who want to exercise,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Another jogger at Taman Botani Perdana, Ken, 43, said the authorities should allow public parks to remain open unless there is a high number of Covid-19 cases in the area.

“The government should allow all the parks in the country to be opened as long as there are not more than 40 Covid-19 positive cases within 1km radius of the park.”

He added that users should only come to the park to either jog or cycle.

“They should not be allowed if they are here to socialise as that can cause a spike in the number of cases.”

A guard at Taman Botani Perdana said those coming to the park must take the situation seriously and adhere to the SOP.

“There are some who do not bother to scan their temperature or even the MySejahtera app.

“There is nothing much we can do as they just continue their run from outside into the park without stopping.

“In my opinion, by right they should be wearing their masks as well and only taking it off once they enter the premises,” said the man who only wanted to be known as Samuel.

An observation by The Malaysian Insight showed that there is the MySejahtera QR code and temperature scanner in place for park-goers to scan before entering but it is up to them whether they wanted to do it or not.

There were no physical barriers placed except at the playground facilities and at gazebos to prevent people from socialising.

While most of the visitors came either by themselves or in pairs, there were some who had brought their children as well.

DBKL ordered all public parks and playgrounds under its watch to be closed during the MCO, which started on January 13.

Kuala Lumpur Pakatan Harapan MPs, however, urged authorities to reconsider this decision, saying it was not in line with Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s remarks that the public should be allowed some recreation as periods of isolation can affect mental health.

Following that, Federal Territories Minister Annuar Musa said parks run by DBKL will remain open during the MCO.

The public are now allowed to engage in recreational activities, such as jogging and cycling, as long as they maintain a 2m distance from each other at all times. – January 22, 2021.