LABUAN — Labuan Corporation (LC) will continue to enhance the newly upgraded LDA public recreational park from time to time, subject to sufficient allocation, said its chief executive officer Rithuan Mohd Ismail.
Speaking at a press conference today, Rithuan said the facility, now rebranded as Taman Rekreasi Awam Perbadanan Labuan, was part of efforts to transform the previously underutilised Padang LDA area into a safe, green and attractive community recreational destination.
“The response has been very encouraging. I hope the people of Labuan will make full use of this facility. This is our facility, and there should be no vandalism,” he said.
Rithuan said the upgraded park retained its green surroundings, while the design concept was inspired by Labuan’s history, including a chimney concept incorporated into the landscape design.
He said Labuan Corporation also hoped the facility would help cultivate a healthier lifestyle among the local community.
“We want to encourage a healthy way of life in Labuan. From time to time, if there is sufficient allocation, we will upgrade the park further, including in terms of lighting and other facilities,” he said.
According to the media brief, the project was funded by the National Landscape Department under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government through the Taman Rekreasi Madani initiative in 2024. The project involved a contract sum of RM495,382, with works carried out by Almira Enterprise.
The upgraded recreational components include a welcoming garden, an 800-metre jogging track, concrete benches and outdoor fitness gym equipment.
The site, located at lots 6828 and 6827 at the Padang LDA public recreational area along Jalan Tanjung Purun, covers 4.6815 hectares, or 11.57 acres, and is owned by Labuan Corporation.
Rithuan said the location was selected due to its strategic position, good accessibility, suitable size and absence of land ownership issues.
He said the area had previously faced several issues, including being underutilised despite being located in a prime area, poor lighting at night, lack of safe recreational and jogging facilities, and the presence of ageing rhu trees that posed safety risks.
Rithuan said Labuan Corporation would also build three open sports courts, including for pickleball and sepak takraw, which are expected to be completed by the end of this year.
He said a site handover ceremony was also held today for the upgrading of the Botanical Garden, which is under the supervision of the Landscape Department under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.
“Labuan Corporation itself has limited allocation, so we hope for continued assistance from the ministry and central agencies,” he said.
