KUALA LUMPUR: The proposal by Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan to convert golf courses in the city centre was met with mixed reaction.
Rahman, in a recent interview with the New Straits Times, had suggested the move to promote a park-going culture among the city dwellers.
While most city folk we spoke to lauded the suggestion saying that the city will have more spaces for recreation, some were sceptical of the feasibility of the plan.
Here are their views:
l Keen cyclist Noor Hisham Mohd Noor, 40: "If the suggestion is implemented, the public will have more green areas for recreation.
"Even though we have a few large parks in the city, we have problem finding parking. By converting golf courses, not only do we get a bigger green area, we will also have enough parking space. With that, the urbanites will enjoy a healthy lifestyle."
l Firdaus Abdullah, 40: "I totally agree with the idea because we will have bigger space for recreation. We can enjoy our exercise in the natural surrounding.
"As we have bigger space, better facilities could be installed like futsal, tennis or badminton courts.
"With a minimal fee or given free of charge, it will encourage more visitors to come, especially during the weekends, instead of their hanging out at malls or mamak stalls."
l Jeffrey Tan, 52: "Instead of turning golf courses into public parks, the local authorities should focus on improving existing parks.
"Why waste money to upgrade the golf courses when the money could be better spent on the poorly maintained parks in the city?
"Most of large and popular parks in the city are in good condition but smaller parks, especially in the housing areas, are in dire states.
"I think the ministry and City Hall should reconsider the idea."
l Shazlin Anwar, 34: "I think golf courses and public parks should remain as they are now.
"Golfers need a space for their hobby, plus they pay a huge sum for it. So instead of taking their courses, it is better for the local councils to upgrade and maintain the existing public parks."
l Zazri Shah Mohd Zin, 35: "By converting golf courses into public park, everyone could use the facilities provided.
"The golf course is not fully utilised all the time as the golfers usually play only at certain hours.
"If it is turned into public park, it would be fully utilised as the public could bring the whole family for some healthy activities." By Nor Ain Mohamed Radhi