Labuan: Labuan today strengthened its commitment to promoting a healthier and more active community with the opening of the Labuan Public Recreation Park at Tanjung Purun in the heart of the town, following a RM495,382 upgrade under the Madani Recreation Park initiative. Labuan Corporation chief executive officer Rithuan Ismail said the park is designed to provide an inclusive public space where people of all ages can exercise, relax and foster stronger community ties.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the development of this park reflects Labuan's commitment to creating quality public spaces that encourage healthy living while enhancing the quality of life of Labuan residents. Rithuan hopes it will continue to serve as a vibrant gathering place for families, fitness enthusiasts, and visitors, as expressed during the officiating ceremony today.

Funded by the National Landscape Department under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) in 2024, the project transformed the former LDA Field from an underutilised public area into a modern recreational facility. The site was selected due to its strategic downtown location, good accessibility, suitable land size, and the absence of land ownership issues.

Previously, the area suffered from inadequate lighting, limited recreational facilities, and ageing casuarina trees that posed safety risks, resulting in it being underutilised despite its prime location. The upgraded park now features a welcoming garden, an 800-metre jogging track, concrete benches, and outdoor fitness gym equipment, making it one of Labuan's preferred destinations for leisure and exercise, particularly in the evenings.

Rithuan stated that Labuan Corporation would continue to enhance the park with additional recreational amenities, including three open courts for pickleball and sepak takraw, which are expected to be completed by the end of this year. He also urged the public to play their part in preserving the facilities to ensure they remain in good condition for the benefit of the entire community.