‘Children in high-rises need space for recreation'
Richard says authorities here should emulate South Korea by encouraging developers to ensure their projects are children-friendly.
ENSURING adequate play space could help curb the alarming increase in the number of children falling from balconies and windows at strata residences.
This may include building and upgrading playgrounds, as well as organising community programmes for children to release pent-up energy.
A 2021 article in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health highlighted that children living in high-density urban housing with limited access to outdoor areas are more likely to engage in unsafe play behaviours.
To promote safe physical activities among children, it suggested having playgrounds within walking distance of residences.
Richard Kishore Joseph, the international travel and learning coordinator for Malaysia-based Dignity for Children Foundation, said many children living in high-rises, especially those at public housing flats, often lacked space and activities to fill their free time.
Richard says authorities here should emulate South Korea by encouraging developers to ensure their projects are children-friendly.
'When children don't have access to play spaces, they will treat balconies, corridors and stairwells as their playground.
'So why are we shocked when tragedy strikes,' he said, when asked to comment on recent cases of children falling to their deaths from strata residences.
Richard added that Malaysian authorities could emulate South Korea by encouraging developers to ensure their projects are children-friendly.
'In Seoul, for instance, there's a push towards child-friendly cities where urban planning includes play zones within walking distance of every housing area.
'Local councils can provide further support by sending mobile toy libraries to selected neighbourhoods,' he added.
More children are growing up at high-rises and low-cost flats as land becomes scarcer, especially in urban areas. — Filepic
Echoing similar sentiments, mother of two V. Naidu, 46, said children needed outdoor exposure every now and then.
'Those living in high-rises may feel cooped up and balconies are the only place they get to enjoy fresh air,' she said.
Mother of three Siti Sabariah Hamid, 41, said raising her children in her two-bedroom flats meant there was limited space.
'I have to let them play in the corridors.
'The government should consider requiring developers to provide a certain minimum floor space when building their projects,' she said. — By FARID WAHAB
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
an hour ago
- Free Malaysia Today
It's WhatsApp to the rescue for stranded hikers
The hikers with the rescue team comprising firefighters from Bukit Mertajam and members of the public. (JPBM pic) BUKIT MERTAJAM : Two youngsters who got lost while hiking in the Cherok Tok Kun forest near here were swiftly rescued by the fire brigade, thanks to a handy smartphone. State fire and rescue assistant director John Sagun Francis said the two 18-year-olds sent their location via WhatsApp to his department at 1.16pm. 'A team from the Bukit Mertajam fire and rescue station was deployed to the location.' The state recreational forest is home to Bukit Cherok Tok Kun and Penang's largest tree, with its enormous buttress roots. Five personnel, aided by members of the public, were involved in the search and rescue operation. He said the two hikers were found and brought down safely three hours later.
Malay Mail
7 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Gawai Dayak 2025 parade in Kuching brings Sarawak's spirit to life with colour, culture and unity
KUCHING, June 21 — More than 90 contingents and 12 decorated floats, featuring over 3,000 participants from the Orang Ulu, Bidayuh, and Iban communities, brought vibrant colour and cultural significance to the Gawai Dayak 2025 Parade, much to the delight of both locals and visitors. The day began with the traditional Orang Ulu 'Upacara Mamat' ceremony, held at the Tun Jugah Building lobby. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg officiated the ritual, which was conducted by the Sarawak Council for Customs and Traditions and led by Pemanca Tony Kulleh from the Belaga Kenyah community. The ritual sought blessings and permission from ancestral spirits to commence the parade. Following the ceremony, Abang Johari and other dignitaries joined the 1.2-km parade from Tun Jugah Building to the Kuching Waterfront. A contingent representing the Iban community at the parade. — The Borneo Post pic Among those in attendance were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, along with the main organising committee chair of the state-level Gawai Dayak celebration, Datuk Gerawat Gala. The 'Upacara Mamat' ritual remains symbolic as a celebration of unity and a means of passing down the spirit of courage and togetherness to younger generations. It reflects values of gratitude, shared achievement, and harmony – ideals at the heart of Gawai. The two-hour parade also featured contingents and special guests from outside Sarawak, including members of the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Sarawak Branch. The Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, was present as a special guest. A women contingent showcasing their costumes at the parade. — The Borneo Post pic Also in attendance were delegates from North Kalimantan, led by Vice Governor Ingkong Ala and the Republic of Indonesia Senator Dr Marthin Billa, who is also the President of the National Dayak Customary Council. The Orang Ulu community was represented by groups such as the Sarawak Kayan Association Kuching Branch, Sarawak National Kenyah Association, Sarawak Bisaya Association, Sarawak Lahanan Association, Punan National Association, Serian Orang Ulu Association, Sarawak Kayan Women Association, and the Orang Ulu National Association. Contingents from the Bidayuh community included branches of the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) from Serian, Lundu, Urban Kuching, Central Kuching, Siburan, Serapi, Penrissen, Padawan, Bau, Samarahan and Tebedu, as well as the Kuching Biperoh Association, Kuching Biya Association, and the Jagoi Area Development Committee. One of the contingents making their way to the Kuching Waterfront. — The Borneo Post pic Representing the Iban community were the Tun Jugah Foundation, Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak, Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry, several SDNU branches, the Anak Borneo Semenanjung Association, Sarawak Pribumi Intellectual Association, Dayak Kuching Community Culture and Charity Club, and Sarawak Dayak Iban Association. Speaking to reporters after the parade, Uggah said it served as a platform for Sarawak's diverse ethnic groups to showcase their rich culture and traditions. 'It is also to enlighten the non-Dayak community of the traditions and customs practised by the Dayaks,' he said. He also expressed appreciation to the Premier Abang Johari and Raja Muda of Perlis for attending the cultural celebration. — The Borneo Post
Malay Mail
10 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Factory fire guts 80pc of building in Puchong's Kampung Lembah Kinrara, no casualties reported
PUCHONG, June 21 — A fire has reportedly broke out at a factory along Kampung Lembah Kinrara here this afternoon, destroying about 80 per cent of the building. The Star cited Selangor Fire and Rescue Department saying the Puchong fire station received a distress call at 12.15pm and deployed a team to the site on Jalan Lembah Kinrara. 'Firefighters reached the scene at 12.22pm and efforts to extinguish the fire are underway,' said Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director (Operations) Ahmad Mukhlis Mokhtar. 'As of now, no victims have been reported,' he added. Meanwhile, Free Malaysia Today wrote citing the Puchong Fire and Rescue Department that the factory — which measured approximately 100 feet by 120 feet — was 80 per cent damaged. 'Updates will be provided in due course,' it reportedly said.
