MORE than 22,000 trees have been planted in Kuala Lumpur since 2023 as local authorities ramp up efforts at greening the capital and achieving its target of having one million trees planted by 2040.
This figure includes nearly 9,000 trees planted this year as part of the Sponge City initiative by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the City Hall was in the midst of developing 32 open spaces using the "microforest" concept by 2027.
"A total of 183 sites, which include planned pocket parks, will also be equipped with recreational facilities by 2040.
"The development of a microforest through dense, layered tree planting can increase canopy cover and help reduce surrounding temperatures," she said.
Yeoh said this after visiting the newly completed pocket parks in Jalan Belia and Jalan Raja Laut with Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud on Saturday (Nov 14).
Elaborating, she said DBKL had engaged 21 arborists to conduct assessment on the health, stability and risks of the trees planted.
"All proposals to cut down trees must undergo technical evaluations to ensure they are in line with safety requirements," she added.
