Bougainvillea add colour to KL roads

Bougainvillea shrubs provide a refreshing sight along Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah in Kuala Lumpur. — Photos: FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

THOUSANDS of bougainvillea shrubs that were planted along various roads in and around Kuala Lumpur in January, have started blooming and are adding pops of colour to the city’s landscape.

The varying shades — red, magenta, pink and purple — are beautifying more than 100 locations, including along highways and main roads.

A team from Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) Landscape and Recreational Development Department had planted the shrubs following mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah’s pledge to have more trees and plants in line with the city’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

“We planted a variety of species, including bougainvillea which are fast-growing and ever-blooming,’’ said a spokesperson from DBKL’s Corporate Communications Department.

“The bougainvillea species planted were the Bougainvillea ‘Elizabeth Angus’, which blooms in a deep purple shade, Bougainvillea ‘Mrs Eva’ in soft pink tones, and Bougainvillea ‘Poultunii’, which has a deep red hue.

Mahadi has pledged to plant more trees and flowering plants to reduce Kuala Lumpur’s carbon footprint.

DBKL started planting the bougainvillea seven years ago.

“It is the best for quick results in a warm climate, and has an incredible array of shades and also requires little maintenance,” the spokesperson added.

The areas where the blooms can be seen include Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah (Jalan Ipoh), Jalan Imbi, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Sultan Iskandar Highway (Mahameru Highway) and Jalan Ampang.

Ahmad Firdaus, 27, an e-hailing driver, said he only noticed the bright blooms recently when he stopped to take shelter during a thunderstorm near Jalan Ipoh.

“They are beautiful and so bright.

“I never noticed them before, probably because I was always rushing,” he said.

Rahimah Rahmat, a secretary, said she spotted the flowers while at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) on Jalan Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah.

“I was at the vaccination centre there and saw the bougainvillea blooms, very pretty and refreshing,” she said.

In January, Mahadi told StarMetro that DBKL would be adding more greenery to beautify the city and reduce its carbon footprint.

“We will be planting more trees and flowering shrubs this time around as they are not just pretty to look at but also environmentally friendly,’’ he said.

Mahadi had reiterated DBKL’s commitment in tackling climate change and pushing for Kuala Lumpur to become a low-carbon city.

DBKL established a task force last year to work towards achieving the goals under the Kuala Lumpur Low-Carbon Society Blueprint 2030.