Open Spaces and a Healthy Lifestyle

Aliran welcomes the government’s long overdue decision to halt the commercial development of all open spaces that have been gazetted for recreation.

We concur with the government that such open spaces are crucial and important for recreational activities in high density areas where high-rise low-cost flats and congested housing are located. It is in these open spaces that the young and old can spend their leisure time and be involved in healthy activities.

Apart from fostering close ties within and between families, open spaces for recreation can help to reduce social ills by providing a healthy outlet for the young who would otherwise loiter at shopping complexes.

Open spaces and parks in congested cities act as ‘green lungs’ for urban dwellers who would otherwise be more highly-strung and stress-prone. These green areas will also help to reduce the incidence of flash floods in urban areas.

Finally, to preserve the eco-system, it is vital that trees, especially old ones, should not be cut down.

Executive Committee
14 July 1998