Sentul to welcome first community toy library

In a landmark move to advance early childhood development and foster stronger community bonds, four key organisations—Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), Sentul Raya Sdn Bhd, Toy Libraries Malaysia, and YTL Foundation—have signed an Agreement of Action (AOA) to establish a new community toy library at UTC Sentul.

The agreement was formalised at a signing ceremony held on 10 April 2025 at Menara DBKL, attended by representatives of all partner organisations. This collaboration aims to provide children from all walks of life with access to a safe, stimulating environment for play-based learning while strengthening social ties within the local community.

A groundbreaking collaboration

The Sentul Toy Library marks the first such facility in the area and will be hosted at UTC Sentul, a strategic and accessible location. DBKL, as the city’s governing body, is supporting the project under its community welfare and engagement mission. Sentul Raya Sdn Bhd and YTL Foundation will provide the necessary financial and infrastructural support, while Toy Libraries Malaysia brings its recognised expertise in promoting learning through play.

“This partnership marks an important step towards nurturing a more caring and inclusive city for our young ones,” said YBhg Dato’ Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Mayor of Kuala Lumpur. “Play is a powerful foundation for learning, and every child deserves the opportunity to grow, discover, and imagine through play.”

Championing the right to play

The Sentul Toy Library is designed as a welcoming space for children aged 0 to 12 and will feature a curated selection of educational toys, books, and hands-on learning tools. The initiative is in line with both national and international agendas for holistic childhood development and inclusive urban planning.

Datin Wong Poai Hong, President of Toy Libraries Malaysia, emphasised the developmental value of play: “Play is a fundamental right of every child. With this toy library, we are creating a safe and stimulating environment that nurtures curiosity, imagination, and social interaction.”

In addition to free play opportunities, the facility will host storytelling sessions, parenting workshops, and regular community play events—all aimed at enriching the lives of both children and their families.

Private-public synergy in action

The Sentul Toy Library exemplifies the power of cross-sector partnerships in addressing social needs. For YTL Foundation, the project aligns with its long-standing mission to support education and community empowerment.

“We believe in the power of play to enrich children’s lives and foster stronger community ties,” said Dato’ Kathleen Chew, Programme Director at YTL Foundation. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to ensuring every child, regardless of background, has access to joyful and meaningful learning experiences.”

Sentul Raya Sdn Bhd’s involvement further anchors the toy library in the neighbourhood’s development plans, reinforcing the importance of family-friendly infrastructure in urban growth.

A model for community development

The Sentul Toy Library is expected to open to the public in the next quarter and is already being positioned as a pilot for potential expansion throughout the city. The initiative sends a strong message about the importance of investing in early childhood resources and underscores Kuala Lumpur’s commitment to building resilient, inclusive communities.

As the Mayor concluded, “I hope more partners and communities will come on board to help bring more toy libraries to life across Kuala Lumpur.”

The launch of this toy library not only delivers tangible benefits to children and families but also sets a precedent for collaborative urban innovation that prioritises social wellbeing.