Johor govt urged to upgrade Hutan Bandar

Johor government urged to upgrade Hutan Bandar

An assemblyman urged the state government to allocate RM2mil to improve and upgrade the facilities at the popular Hutan Bandar recreation area.

Chia Song Cheng (BN- Pengkalan Rinting) said many of the facilities in the area built in 1993, were not well maintained due to the lack of funds.

“I visited the area in June with the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) landscape director and found an array of problems,” he said during his debate at the state assembly last week.

He said bricks along the track for joggers had become mouldy and this caused the pavement to be slippery and posed a danger especially in the wee hours of the morning.

“I also found the roof of five chalets in the area leaking and all were just covered with a canvas,” Chia said.

He said the pond was covered with sand, earth and overgrown with weeds.

“Many of the facilities at the children’s playground are also old and needs to be better maintained,” he said hoping that the Mentri Besar would look into the matter as Hutan Bandar was a popular spot for many of the city folks.

Besides Hutan Bandar, Chia also raised concerns about cleanliness in the city including having a proper waste disposal system.

He also suggested that a special team be formed to check on cleanliness in the city area.

“I also hope that fines will be issued to those who litter,” he said, adding that more signages reminding and warning the public about littering should also be put up.

Chia said all public complaints need to be addressed immediately and Southern Waste Management (SWM) should not just wait for calls from assemblymen before taking action.

-News courtesy of The Star-