A proposal has been put forward to officially designate Casa Permai Central Park, also known as Tanah Lapang Casa Permai, as a pet-friendly public park under the Penang Island City Council (MBPP). If approved, it would become the first officially recognised pet-friendly public park on Penang Island.

The proposal was submitted by MBPP councillor Lee Seng Hwai during a recent council meeting. According to Lee, the initiative aims to formally recognise the park’s long-established role as a gathering place for pet owners while introducing appropriate guidelines to promote responsible use and harmonious sharing of the public space.

Following the proposal, Lee visited the park together with MBPP’s landscape officers and representatives from the service centre of Tanjong Bunga assemblyman YB Zairil Khir Johari to conduct a site survey. The visit was intended to observe how the park is currently used, engage with visitors, and gather public feedback on the proposed designation.

Lee noted that Casa Permai Central Park has organically evolved into one of the island’s most popular destinations for pet owners. Every morning and evening, residents can be seen walking and exercising with their pets, while the park also attracts visitors from other parts of Penang who appreciate its spacious environment and pet-friendly atmosphere.

He emphasised that the proposal is not about introducing a new concept but rather recognising an existing community practice that has developed naturally over the years.

An official pet-friendly designation would provide a framework for responsible pet ownership, including encouraging pet owners to maintain cleanliness, observe proper etiquette, and ensure that both pet owners and other park users can enjoy the space safely and respectfully.

The move could also serve as a model for similar initiatives elsewhere on the island, balancing the growing demand for pet-friendly recreational spaces with the needs of the wider community.

Feedback collected during the site survey will form part of MBPP’s ongoing evaluation before any decision is made on the proposal. If implemented, the initiative would mark a significant step towards creating more inclusive public spaces that cater to the diverse lifestyles of Penang residents while promoting responsible community stewardship.

Casa Permai Central Park:

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