KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Property (SDP) Bhd is planning to build more inclusive playgrounds in its townships and developments across Malaysia, according to deputy chief operating officer, township development Appollo Leong.

       The inclusive playground envsioned by the property developer is designed in collaboration with critical end-users such as children with and without disabilities, parents, grandparents and technical specialists, namely, organisations of persons with disabilities, early intervention practitioners and educators, Leong told the media after a virtual launch of Malaysia’s first inclusive playground at City of Elmina township yesterday.

       SDP designed and built the country’s inaugural “inclusive playground” in the township as a pilot project.

       “We wanted to incorporate as much as possible of what we learned from the United Nations Children’s Fund or Unicef as our partner. Every child has equal rights to play and to enjoy the outdoors, and this ‘inclusive playground’ will enable that,” he said.

       Leong said children’s developmental needs are important and must be taken into consideration when designing townships.

       Upholding children’s rights is key to any sustainable communities, he said.

       The construction of the 0.2ha plaground started in Febuary 2020 and was completed in November the same year. — Bernama