PETALING JAYA, May 13 — Inside a modest steel container at a low-cost flat in Mutiara Damansara, children of all ages gather around props, toy figurines, and children’s books — items many parents would consider luxuries secondary to essentials.
Here at Apartment Desa Mutiara, a newly established toy library is more than just entertainment for children; it is also a space where children are not deprived of opportunities to play, learn, and imagine, similar to their more well-off peers.
For 12-year-old Muhammad Qalish Mikhail Masri, he usually spends his time at home with his toys or playing on his mobile with his parents’ permission to pass the time.
Now that the toy library is in place, he said he feels happier because there are more toys and activities for him to enjoy with his neighbours and peers.
“On the first day we came here, I felt really excited,” he told Malay Mail when met during the toy library’s official launch here recently.
When asked about his favourite toys at the library, Muhammad Qalish Mikhail said they were the Ben 10 — an alien-fighting cartoon superhero series — action figures and Lego sets.
Accompanying Muhammad Qalish Mikhail was his mother, Linda Mat Desa, who looked on as he explored the toy library, taking time to engage with the activities and interact with other children in the space.
“I wholeheartedly agree that access to play should not be considered a luxury, but rather a tool for learning, creativity and social development, as children his age pick things up very quickly and are highly imaginative,” she said.
She added that she was also excited about the new child-friendly facility within her residential compound.
Muhammad Qalish Mikhail Masri and his mother, Linda Mat Desa, speaking to Malay Mail.
By the residents, for the residents
Apartment Desa Mutiara Residents Association chairman Zahir Al Fadzil Ahmad said the association reviewed several proposed locations within the apartment compound with MBPJ after learning the toy library would be installed as a container unit.
A study room in a nearby flat block was initially proposed, but the final decision placed the toy library at its current location — an open space already frequently used by children for outdoor play — because it was more practical and accessible.
“Other sites were eventually ruled out because they were either too secluded or located too far from security oversight, which raised safety concerns.
“Coincidentally, this very spot in front of the management office was vacant, so we chose this location due to its visibility and proximity to the apartment compound’s entrance security post,” he told Malay Mail.
Despite just launching, he said neighbourhood children have already shown excitement, with encouraging support from parents for the toy library, which currently houses children’s books, puzzles and educational toys — most of which were contributed by residents as part of a collective community effort.
Operating from 8am to 10pm, the toy library is currently open to children from kindergarten up to secondary school level.
To ensure the toy library is truly inclusive, a subcommittee composed entirely of volunteer ‘junior librarians’ has also been formed to oversee the facility’s upkeep — from cleanliness to managing its toy inventory.
Looking ahead, Zahir Al Fadzil said he hopes the toy library will serve as a long-term learning hub by helping children become more knowledgeable through access to books, educational materials, and interactive play.
“Maybe this could be a starting point for them to further excel in their studies.
“Access to play must be seen as essential, not a luxury, because this would help children realise or imagine their future aspirations, whether as teachers, scientists, doctors or even good parents,” he said.
No child left behind
Beyond providing toys and books, the initiative is part of the Petaling Jaya City Council’s (MBPJ) wider push to build a more child-friendly city, aligning with the United Nations Children’s Fund’s (Unicef) goal of making urban communities safer, more inclusive and supportive of children’s development.
“We hope this toy library facility can serve as a platform to nurture children’s character development and creativity through interactive learning activities in a conducive and enjoyable environment.
“The initiative is also expected to strengthen community ties and foster a more active, caring and harmonious neighbourhood culture,” said PJ Mayor Datuk Mohamad Zahri Samingon during the facility’s launch at Apartment Desa Mutiara here recently.
Mohamad Zahri said the toy library concept is rooted in the principle that “play is learning”, recognising play as an important medium for children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development.
In 2023, Petaling Jaya became the first UNICEF Child Friendly City in Malaysia for demonstrating its commitment to advancing children’s rights while developing the city.
Costing an estimated RM45,000 per facility, the toy library at Apartment Desa Mutiara is the fifth established under the initiative, with three more planned for by MBPJ at Flat Desa Mentari, Flat PKNS Taman Dato’ Harun and Flat Desaria Fasa 5A and 5B later this year.
The four other toy libraries currently in operation are located at Apartment Idaman, PPR Lembah Subang 2, Flora Damansara and Pangsapuri Petaling Perdana.
“We wanted this toy library to truly meet the children’s needs, that is why we asked for their ideas, including the design and facilities they wanted.
“We wanted the children to share their views on their preferred colours, paint and other details.
“From there, we documented the process as proof that the toy library was developed through engagement with all parties involved,” Mohamad Zahri said.
He also welcomed contributions of books, toys and other relevant materials from private parties and businesses to help further enrich the toy library.
The toy library initiative provides children with an opportunity to collectively shape and mold their play space within their neighbourhood through community participation.
MBPJ councillor (Zone 2) Chan Pak Keung said one reason Apartment Desa Mutiara was chosen for a toy library was the large number of children residents, following the success of MBPJ’s first toy library initiative in Damansara Damai at Apartment Idaman.
“The other reason was that the Resident Association here has a strong sense of community and its members were very vocal on this issue after I told them I wanted to bring the toy library here.
“I asked if they were okay with building it here and what role they could play in making it work, they were very happy and fully welcomed it.
initially proposing the idea of setting up a toy library, following MBPJ’s first toy library’s success in Damansara Damai (Apartment Idaman),” he told Malay Mail.
Chan said the first engagement session with residents began in July last year, involving 30 resident committee members and parents, as well as nearly 100 children aged six to 17.
According to engagement feedback received, children envisioned the toy library as a creative, fun and child-friendly community space equipped with modern technology such as video games and computers.
He said the toy library was introduced with the long-term goal of becoming self-sustaining, with residents and the local community taking ownership of its upkeep, activities and future development.
“I think every child needs a space, regardless of their family’s socioeconomic background.
“It’s not about low-cost, mid-range, or high-end residences. Right now, every child needs a space to play or hang out instead of being glued to their electronic devices,” he said.
