KUCHING: The Mayor of Penang Island Dato' Ir Rajendran P. Anthony led a delegation from Penang Island City Council (MBPP) on a study visit to Kuching South City Council’s (MBKS) autism-friendly Ausome Park to learn about the planning, development and management of inclusive public spaces.

The visit provided an opportunity for MBPP to learn from MBKS’ experience as it works towards providing more inclusive and autism-friendly public spaces and parks in Penang with areas of interest including park design, facilities, safety, management and community involvement.

Ausome Park recently received the JCI Sustainable Development Goals Award under SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, recognising its contribution towards providing a public space that welcomes children with different needs and their families.

MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the visit served as an opportunity for both councils to exchange practical experiences in creating public facilities that serve a wider section of the community.

“Every child should have the opportunity to play and enjoy our public parks. For families with children with autism, a visit to a park should be an experience where they feel comfortable, welcomed and included,” he said.

Dato Wee said Ausome Park reflects MBKS’s commitment to ensuring that children with different needs are considered in the development of community facilities.

He added that this approach supports the council’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), which places emphasis on children’s wellbeing, protection, development and participation.

“When we plan a public space, we need to understand who uses it and what they need. Listening to families and the community helps us make better decisions about the facilities we provide,” he said.

On the recent JCI recognition, Dato Wee said the award was an encouragement for MBKS to continue improving access to inclusive public spaces.

“The value of Ausome Park is in what it means to the children and families who use it. The award recognises that effort and reminds us to continue working towards a city where everyone has a place,” he said.

Dato Wee welcomed further collaboration between MBKS and MBPP, expressing hope that the visit would support the development of more public spaces that respond to the needs of children with autism and their families. -UKASnews