KUALA LUMPUR – A new community-focused initiative is set to brighten the lives of children and families in Sentul, with the announcement of a dedicated Toy Library to be launched at UTC Sentul in the coming months.
Spearheaded by YTL Foundation, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), Sentul Raya Sdn Bhd, and Toy Libraries Malaysia (TLM), the project is part of a broader commitment to equitable access to early learning tools and family-friendly community development.
The signing of an Agreement of Action (AOA) between the four partners took place on 10th April at Menara DBKL, laying the groundwork for the establishment of the Sentul Toy Library, which will offer free access to educational toys, books, and play-based programmes for children aged 0 to 12.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, YBhg Dato’ Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif, praised the initiative as a meaningful step toward fostering a more inclusive and compassionate urban environment.
“Play is a powerful foundation for learning, and every child deserves the opportunity to grow, discover, and imagine through play,” said the Mayor. “This partnership marks an important step towards nurturing a more caring and inclusive city for our young ones.”
The toy library will serve as a safe, welcoming space for families, with regular programming that includes storytelling sessions, parent-child workshops, and themed play activities. It also supports Malaysia’s broader agenda for sustainable urban development and social inclusion.
Toy Libraries Malaysia, which brings expertise in play-based education, will play a key role in curating resources and facilitating activities. Its President, Datin Wong Poai Hong, highlighted the importance of recognising play as a right, not a luxury.
“With this toy library, we are creating a safe and stimulating environment that nurtures curiosity, imagination, and social interaction,” she said.
Dato’ Kathleen Chew, Programme Director at YTL Foundation, emphasised the impact of public-private partnerships in delivering community value.
“We believe in the power of play to enrich children’s lives and foster stronger community ties. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to ensuring every child, regardless of background, has access to joyful and meaningful learning experiences,” she said.
The initiative is in line with both national and global goals to advance childhood development through inclusive, accessible community infrastructure. It also exemplifies the role of strategic collaborations between the government, private sector, and non-profits in delivering impactful social programmes.
The Sentul Toy Library is slated to open its doors to the public in the next quarter, with plans for expansion to other communities already under discussion. -MalayaDailyToday
