Out of office and into the outdoors
Work hard, play hard: Families enjoying their holiday at Miami Beach in Batu Ferringhi. — KT GOH/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Families took full advantage of the Labour Day break by heading to the parks and beaches to unwind, bond and enjoy the outdoors with loved ones and friends.
Children had fun as they splashed in swimming pools, while adults soaked in the sun and sea breeze, turning it into a well-spent day for all.
At the City Park swimming pool, factory worker Haikal Ishak, 33, was enjoying the day with his two young children, aged four and five.
'It's quality time with my kids while my wife is at home with our seven-month-old child.
'We'll head to the beach later,' said Haikal, who lives in Tanjong Tokong.
Haikal said he decided to enjoy the day with his children as the weather was perfect for an outing.
Intan Abdul Halim, 41, from Air Itam, arrived early at the pool with her husband and their four children, ages 17, 13, eight and six.
'The pool is always a hit with the kids, and being outdoors is much better than being stuck in front of the TV.
'We're planning a hike next, then we'll wrap up the day with dinner before heading home,' said Intan, who is a hospital staff worker.
For Amirul Pakiruddin, 33, the public holiday was a rare chance to enjoy time with his wife and their two young children, aged three and four.
'I'm usually caught up with work, so a day like this is precious,' he said, adding that the family planned to hit the beach after being at the pool.
Amirul, who is working in a private company, also said that he enjoys taking a stroll along the beach and enjoying some tasty food at the Tanjung Bungah hawker stalls.
Alex Tan, 38, from Bayan Baru, brought his three-year-old son to the park while his wife stayed home with their newborn.
'My friends joined us too.
'It's heartening to see so many families out and about.
'I don't get much time off, so being here gives me a chance to unwind,' said Tan, who is working in a multinational corporation.
Later in the afternoon, the beaches at Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi were bustling with people enjoying a dip in the water or lounging on the sand, fully embracing the sun-drenched day.
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