Penang Island City Council gains insights into autism-friendly Ausome Park

KUCHING: A delegation from the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), led by its mayor, visited Kuching South City Council’s (MBKS) Ausome Park to study its approach to developing inclusive, autism-friendly public spaces.

The visit aimed to provide MBPP with insights into park planning, facilities, safety, management and community involvement as Penang explores ways to create more accessible recreational spaces for children with autism and their families.

Kuching South Mayor, Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the visit offered both councils an opportunity to exchange practical experiences in developing public facilities that cater to the needs of 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.

He said Ausome Park reflected MBKS’ commitment to ensure children with different needs are considered in the planning and development of community facilities.

He added that the initiative supported Kuching South’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), which emphasises children’s wellbeing, protection, development and participation in shaping their environment.

“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.

Ausome Park recently received the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Sustainable Development Goals Award under Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10), Reduced Inequalities, in recognition of its contribution towards creating an inclusive environment for children with different needs.

On the recognition, Wee said the award encouraged MBKS to continue improving accessibility and strengthening efforts to provide public spaces that welcomed everyone.

“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.

He welcomed further collaboration and knowledge-sharing between MBKS and MBPP, expressing hope that the visit would contribute to developing more inclusive public spaces that respond to the needs of children with autism and their families.