THE ERECTION of a metal fence surrounding Padang Merbok in Kuala Lumpur, a popular site for peaceful gatherings and rallies, was to ensure its optimal use, the city mayor said in response to concerns raised by local lawmakers.
Yesterday (Aug 6), Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil and Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh asked whether the 1.5-meter-high fence was in response to the Malaysian Bar’s judicial independence walk that was held in June.
As was the case with almost all peaceful gatherings or marches held in the city in recent years, the Royal Malaysian Police Force (PDRM) prevented the group from marching to their destination — in this case, the nearby Parliament building.
Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah said “uncontrolled” usage of the field often sees the green area being damaged, which, in turn, incurs high repair and upgrade costs for Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
Padang Merbok also has drainage issues, he told Bernama yesterday.
Mahadi added that the public is still allowed to use Padang Merbok – after requesting permission in advance – which he said is the protocol in place for other green lungs.
However, Padang Merbok is still undergoing upgrading works and as such, will remain closed to the public for the time being.
“Now with the fence, I’m sure the maintenance of the field will be carried out effectively.
“Even when people want to enter, we can manage it well and if the field is damaged, we will close it for a while to do repair works before reopening,” Mahadi said.
Fahmi and Hannah had criticised the barriers as being not user-friendly, and for “giving the wrong signal” as such fences are usually used as a crime-preventative measure.
The federal territory MPs also raised concerns about the fence disrupting recreational activities and further asked how much the fence erection and field upgrade cost. — Aug 7, 2022
Main photo credit: Fahmi Fadzil
