KUALA LUMPUR: Some 45 green and open spaces have been gazetted in Kuala Lumpur, bringing the total number of protected areas to 539 locations so far.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the areas, covering 277,663.90 square metres (27.76 hectares), are now secured as public property.
"This gazetting means that these areas can no longer be arbitrarily converted for other purposes and will remain as public spaces for community, family and future generations," she said at a press conference.
Yeoh said this was done through the continuous efforts of the Special Task Force for the Declaration of Open and Green Spaces under the Federal Territory Department.
She added that the move is also part of a long-term strategy to make Kuala Lumpur a more sustainable and resilient city, including adapting the 'Sponge City' concept to address flooding issues and the city's rising temperatures.
She said the government is committed to continuing the identification of green and open spaces in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur monthly to ensure more public spaces are protected for the use of the people.
Yeoh said the measure was implemented through a fast-track approach by the Special Task Force on the Declaration of Open and Green Spaces, which was established to expedite the process.
"There are still many areas... the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is working hard with the Director of Lands and Mines to identify them every month. This is our focus and priority.
"This effort will continue every month with more areas being identified for gazetting from time to time," she said.
The public can check the full list of gazetted areas through the official portal of the Office of the Director of Lands and Mines of the Federal Territory at the link https://www.ptgwp.gov.my/portal. — Bernama
