Public playgrounds are usually built for the enjoyment of everyone, but unfortunately there will be a group of irresponsible individuals who will destroy instead of caring for it.
This was sadly what happened to a public playground in Kepong, where a group of kids allegedly set fire to the slide, resulting in massive losses.
Public playground set on fire, leads to loss of up to RM100K
In a statement issued by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) yesterday (Mar 12), it wrote the act of vandalism took place at a public playground located on Jalan 13/32, Jinjang Baru in Kepong.
It added as a result of the equipment being set on fire, the slide and rubber flooring were totally ruined, while the EPDM floor was reduced to a melted puddle — all of which amounted to an estimated RM100,000 in losses.
“Every year, DBKL carries out upgrades to playgrounds to comply with safety standards set by SIRIM. This ongoing effort is part of DBKL’s initiative to provide high-quality and safe facilities for city residents.
Such irresponsible actions not only result in losses for the authorities but also inconvenience the community, particularly children who use these facilities.
“DBKL takes this matter seriously and will cooperate with the authorities to investigate the incident and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” it wrote in the statement.
MP offers RM500 reward
News of the incident later made its way to Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng, who issued a statement of his own condemning the vandalism.
He added that according to eyewitnesses, a group of about 10 children aged between 10 and 15 is believed to have set the playground equipment on fire.
As such, he’s offering a RM500 reward to those who have information that will help identify the perpetrators.
“Any act of vandalising public property is unacceptable, especially when it involves facilities that have been newly upgraded for the community
“This incident should serve as a reminder to the community to take care of public facilities and prevent similar occurrences in the future,” he said.
Police investigations are currently underway and the public is urged to contact Lim’s office at 011-2770 1218 or the nearest police station if they have further information on the matter.
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