Kota Kinabalu: The RM50 million Perdana Park Tanjung Aru – a favourite recreation spot for thousands of city dwellers that has been out of bounds for two years following a spate of sea otter attacks on joggers – will reopen today (4 July), following its handover to City Hall (DBKK).
Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah led a pre-opening walkabout, Thursday, to inspect the park’s readiness and ensure its facilities and surroundings are safe, clean and prepared to welcome visitors.
The reopening follows the official transfer of the park’s management from the Sabah Ministry of Finance to DBKK on 29 June.
Present during the inspection were DBKK Deputy Director-General (Operations) Robert Lipon, Deputy Director-General (Rural Development and Enforcement) Karim Rahim, Deputy Director-General (Financial Management) Victor Gerard Kuasi, along with department heads, senior DBKK officers and representatives from the Sabah Ministry of Finance.
The park, which Governor Tun Musa Aman decided should be a gift to the people when he was chief minister, would be open daily from 7am to 7pm. Parking would be free until DBKK introduces its digital parking payment system.
DBKK said several facilities would remain closed while undergoing safety assessments. These include the musical fountain, interactive fountain, children’s playground adjacent to the operations office and the water dispenser system.
Visitors are advised not to enter these restricted areas, and DBKK would not be responsible for any accidents or injuries resulting from failure to comply with safety restrictions.
DBKK would carry out phased upgrading works to improve the park’s facilities and visitor experience. Visitors are advised to exercise caution when using the synthetic jogging track and children’s play areas, particularly during wet weather when surfaces may become slippery.
To ensure the park remains safe and enjoyable for everyone, visitors are reminded to keep the park clean, follow all posted regulations and instructions from DBKK personnel and refrain from damaging public property.
Smoking, lighting fires, picking plants or flowers, making excessive noise, bringing pets and displaying banners are prohibited. Fishing, swimming, barbecuing, camping and hawking are also not allowed. Any organised events or activities at the park require prior approval from DBKK.
DBKK urged the public to use the park responsibly by maintaining cleanliness, observing park rules and helping preserve the facilities for the benefit of all visitors.
The original closure was triggered on September 11, 2024, after a series of otter attacks left two joggers injured, one severely.
While a reopening was initially slated for November of that year, inspections revealed a deeper problem: the park’s infrastructure had fallen into extensive decay.
By December 2024, the park was closed indefinitely. A comprehensive audit uncovered a litany of failures, from rusted playground equipment and worn-out jogging tracks to broken fencing and non-functional water features.
These issues drew sharp criticism from the local community, for whom the park is a cherished space for families and sunset seekers.
