The thrill of gliding over a metal bar. The deep satisfaction that comes from landing a stunt trick. The feel of wind through one’s hair. These are the sum of all joys for skateboarders and other roller sports enthusiasts.
“But one reason why I still skate is because of my friends. The friends you make in skateboarding will remain your friends for life,” said Alfian who has been skating since his tweens. This father of four is now supporting his eldest son, Muhammad Mer Nullah Khan, 13, in skateboarding competitions. Known as “The Lost Skate Park”, it is located in Bukit Cerakah, now known as Shah Alam National Botanic Gardens.
Among those who have done so were BMX rider Shahrul Reezwan in 2017 and professional skateboarder Arina Rahman in 2014 and 2018. Riders estimate the skating community here to be close to 40 years old. Hence, the wear-and-tear of skateparks can be expected.“After 10 years or so, the concrete will get crusty, producing small stones which can impede wheel movement.
“When the consultants hired to design a skatepark have no clue about the correct specifications, the taxpayers’ money is wasted. In order for skateparks to be built properly, the relevant authorities must engage with the right parties, he added.