With Penang entering the Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan, the Penang City Council embarked on a clean jogging track, hiking trails and parks for the benefit of the public.
Since the Youth Park was closed for five weeks before it was reopened for individual recreational activities last Wednesday, the slippery paths and steps covered in algae-like growths are detrimental to the safety of people.
In view of the safety of the general public, the council workers managed to sweep, wash and clean all related areas.
On hand to inspect the proceedings was State Exco for Youth and Sports, Soon Lip Chee and MBPP Mayor Dato Yew Tung Seang.
“We would like to thank the council workers for their fine job and dedication. I noticed that earlier, the hiking trails were littered with dry leaves and twigs. Moreover, fallen trees were also seen on the trails.
“I had a discussion with the mayor of Penang City Council to dispatch cleaning staff to clear up the trails,” said Soon.
He pointed out that the Point Five rest area is one of the most popular hiking rest stations in the state. Thus, the state government and the Penang Island City Council remain committed to ensuring hikers can hike along the trail safely.
Meanwhile, Dato Yew said that the staff from Penang Island City Council have been cleaning the trails when hiking is allowed. However, Penang Island has recently been affected by rainy weather and high wind speeds of up to 56 kilometers per hour. There are still some fallen trees and twigs along the hiking trails which must be cleared quickly.
“Therefore, the Penang Island City Council dispatched staff from the landscape department, urban services department and community services department this morning. They brought along chainsaws and other cleaning equipment to clear up the obstacles along the hiking trails which will ensure the safety of hikers.
“Aside from these hiking trails, the Penang Island City Council does not neglect the cleanliness and hygiene of other areas under the council,” added Dato Yew.
He also added that the council dispatched MBPP Skuad Pantas immediately when the heavy rain and strong wind of up to 56 kilometers per hour uprooted trees in 13 locations on the island yesterday.
Due to the unpredictable weather, he reminded the public to be more careful while performing outdoor activities. He added that the people residing on the island could contact the council via its 24-hour hotline at 04-263 7637 / 04-263 7000 or WhatsApp to 016-200 4082 to make any complaints regarding the problems of cleanliness or fallen trees.
Soon also visited Air Itam Dam and Bukit DO at Seberang Perai last week to ensure that all open parks are complied with the standard operating procedures to ensure the safety of the people.
