NEW CHALLENGE: Minister of Welfare, Women and Community Wellbeing Datuk Fatimah Abdullah looks on closely as a child attempts a hanging routine at a children’s playground at the State Library yesterday. She calls on libraries across the state to set up basic play facilities for kids.
Fatimah (centre) looks on as a child tries out the new playground. Behind her is Women and Family Development Department director Noriah Ahmad.
KUCHING: Libraries across the state have been encouraged to set up basic play facilities for children as play is an important aspect of the learning process.
Minister of Welfare, Women and Community Wellbeing Datuk Fatimah Abdullah said it would be good for libraries to emulate the children’s playground at the State Library which she launched yesterday.
“The facilities do not have to be extravagant or big, and the libraries, whether big or small, can provide simple facilities for children to play.
“In the process of childhood education, play is an important aspect in children’s lives. The world of children is about play as through play, they learn about things like communication with others, giving way to others, leadership skills and so on,” she said.
She advised parents to keep an eye on their children during playtime.
“This in turn will encourage quality family bonding time, which will contribute to overall community well-being,” she said.
Fatimah said the State Library has helped shape people’s minds, bodies and spirits.
“This is where you can enrich the mind as well as take part in various physical activities such as zumba and futsal. Now with the playground, there is a facility for children.
“The launch of this playground is meaningful for the community’s well-being,” she said.
Fatimah also shared plans to construct playgrounds in villages and longhouses.
“We have a pilot project of playgrounds in the housing estates, which we have started in three villages in my constituency. It is well-received and I hope to bring this idea to more villages and longhouses,” she said.
Earlier, State Library chief executive officer Rashidah Bolhassan said the playground is the first phase of a recreational centre at the library.
“Although this is targeted at toddlers aged five years and above, in the second phase we will be looking into older children and the adult group.
“We encourage parents while waiting at the library to bring their children to use the facility, especially in the evenings, weekends and during holidays,” she said.
The children’s playground, located near the lake area, is equipped with six sections namely Astra Slide, Rock Climber, Vertical Ladder, Net Cross, Trapeze Ring and Spider Web Climber.
Other existing facilities include 5km jogging and cycling tracks around the library created in collaboration with Kuching North City Commission.