DANGER: Playground at Taman Bukit Maluri unsafe for residents and children
THE lack of safety awareness at playgrounds happens not just in the Klang Valley but all over country, says Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
"We have a poor maintenance culture in this country. We must make it a priority to deal with this issue as playground accidents are common."
Playground safety became a major issue following The Malay Mail reports on the death of Muhammad Naquiddin Mohd Marzuki, 11, who was electrocuted by a faulty lamp post at Taman Batu Tiga playground on March 19, as well as the "sex-park" outrage in Taman Bukit Maluri, Kepong, on May 11.
"For instance, slides corrode due to wear and tear and cause injuries to children. And in the case of swings, corroded chains can also lead to fatal accidents."
Lee said there was a need for local authorities to ensure dangerous items such as broken bottles were not left lying on the playground.
"Authorities should take maintenance culture seriously and conduct frequent checks on all playgrounds as public safety should never be compromised."
Lee said parents should not leave children unattended at playgrounds.
