KOTA KINABALU: The reopening of Perdana Park in Tanjung Aru drew a steady stream of joggers on its first day after a two year closure, with visitors taking advantage of free parking currently offered until further notice.
Stella Alexcius, director of the Botanical Department at Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), said the reopening was delayed due to administrative procedures with the Ministry of Finance (MOF). The handover was completed on June 29, and resume operations on July 4.
Alexcius confirmed that although the park built at a cost of RM50 million is now open, it remains under close monitoring.
She hoped that the reopening would ease congestion at Bukit Padang’s Botanical Garden, which has seen heavy use during Perdana Park’s closure.
“We hope to balance the numbers entering the botanical garden in Bukit Padang and here in Tanjung Aru. This place is safe now, no animals or species here, all safe,” she said.
While jogging tracks are ready for use, other facilities remain under maintenance. Eight rental outlets are not yet operational, and toilet facilities are only partially available.
She added that enforcement officers are stationed at the park during the day and night to ensure safety.
The reopening has also benefited groups such as the Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) women’s netball team, who are preparing for the upcoming inter-police sports tournament in Pahang.
Assist Supt of Police (ASP) Siti Khadijah Mohd Ali, who led the team’s fitness training at the park, welcomed the reopening.
“It is a relief that this park is open today, as it is nearer to our unit in Kepayan base for training. Before this, we used to train at Tanjung Lipat and Rimba park. It eases our traffic and saves a lot of time.
“We just wanted to ensure the otters were no longer in the area and would not pose a risk to joggers,” she said.
Perdana Park was closed in 2024 after otters were spotted roaming the grounds and attacking joggers, prompting immediate safety concerns. DBKK now say the area has been secured and is safe for visitors.
Meanwhile, members of the public contacted the Daily Express saying while the long delayed re-opening of the park was welcome, it should not close the premises at 7pm.
“7pm is too early as most office workers will only be able to enjoy the park when they reach home from work at 6pm.”
“It is hoped that DBKK will consider keeping the park open until at least 8 or 10pm,” said one of the joggers, Leslie.
Another said restricting the opening hours till 7pm risks worsening the traffic jam in the area.
