PUTRAJAYA: About 100 public parks will be built or upgraded this year as part of efforts to establish 1,000 Taman Awam Madani nationwide by 2033, says Nga Kor Ming.
The Housing and Local Government Minister said the ministry had surpassed its initial target of 200 parks over the past two years, with 217 completed so far.
The Taman Awam Madani initiative aims to improve community well-being through accessible green spaces.
“In the past, you had to go to the park; now, we bring the park to your home,” Nga said during the pre-launch of National Landscape Day (HLN) 2026 in Putrajaya.
He noted that about RM500mil would be needed to complete the 1,000 parks.
“We have allocated around half a million ringgit for each Taman Awam Madani. So for 1,000 parks, the total cost will be about RM500mil to create these highly impactful public parks,” he said.
Nga added that the first Taman Awam Madani, launched by the Prime Minister in Bandar Baru Tambun, had become a popular community hub within two years.
“That is why we believe this policy is a great success, especially in encouraging Malaysians to adopt a healthy lifestyle,” he said.
Nga also stressed that neighbourhood parks were important in addressing Malaysia’s high obesity rate, which has reached 56%, as well as the rising prevalence of diabetes.
“Parks close to home will encourage people to exercise more. We must live healthily and have more open spaces like Taman Awam Madani,” he said.
He added that the cost of building the parks was small compared with the medical expenses the government would otherwise have to bear.
“It is a strategic investment to improve the well-being of the people. I am proud of the cooperation from local authorities, the National Landscape Department, and the Local Government Department.
“I am confident that within 10 years, if allowed to govern for two terms, we will complete 1,000 Taman Awam Madani, which will become popular destinations for local communities,” he added.
