COVID-19: ACCESS TO PUBLIC SPACE DURING THE MOVEMENT CONTROL ORDER

In prior months, images of empty public spaces worldwide became a poignant reminder that the COVID-19 outbreak is unprecedented. Covid-19 is so infectious that it has forced us to retreat into our homes.

With physical movement restricted to a state-authorized radius, our cities were hollowed out. The images of our empty public spaces are beautifully haunting which begs the question - Can our public spaces survive the outbreak?

Existing efforts have been focused on major nodes in urban centers like Kuala Lumpur and George Town. Urban renewal is expensive and areas with heritage value attract tourism and precious revenue for future investment. However, treating heritage like a cash cow belies a trend of market-driven policies in urban development, leaving other areas such as residential neighborhoods neglected.

But now, house arrest compels us to spend an inordinate time in our neighbourhoods. As of May 4, we could leave our homes for exercise and yet some parks were not even open.

Where would one go to enjoy solitary exercise? Public parks are still largely closed, and even if they were open, there are only so many parks – the Kuala Lumpur City Hall website lists 13 public parks to serve a population of almost two million people. The park around Stadium Tun Fatimah in Melaka attracts people from Teluk Mas, almost 10 kilometers away. Given the dearth in public park availability, Malaysians are unable to exercise while also practicing social distancing measures.