Sports enthusiasts disappointed with poor condition of PJ’s Padang Timor

PETALING JAYA (Nov 22): Residents here especially sports enthusiasts are fuming over the deplorable state of Padang Timor here.

The Star newspaper today reported that the field is in “a sorry state” after it was used for the Petaling Jaya Fair 2018.

Prompted by a call by former national hockey player K. Balasingam, the daily found out that “wooden pallets, food waste and discarded plastic bags containing drinks were found all over the field”.

“There should not be political gatherings, circus events and week-long food festivals on the field,” he added.

“The field is in a total mess and I strongly call for such activities not to be held here in the future,” said Balasingam.

“I think it may cost the council more now, even in the millions, to repair this field, which could be more than the revenue gathered from all the activities held at the field.

“All these factors need to be weighed accordingly in the future before any event is held,” he added.

Malaysian Olympian Association president Karu Selvaratnam is also sad about the “pathetic state” of Padang Timor.

He called on Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) to ask “former sportsmen for ideas on how to maintain fields such as this one”.

“We are at a time where we are struggling to preserve a green open space for our young athletes to train.

“I played cricket on this field in the 1960s and we have even played with international stars here in the past.

“I hope the council will quickly repair it. There needs to be proper drainage too,” Karu added.

A MBPJ spokesman explained to the daily that the “rainy season had worsened the field’s condition”.

He added that council’s engineering department will start repair works promptly.