KUALA LUMPUR: State governments must expedite the gazettement of public open spaces to protect designated green areas, says Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
He said this was especially important in densely populated areas.
"Based on the status report on the gazettement of public open spaces in Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territories, as of December 2025, a total of 23,297.15ha of public open spaces has been identified, but only 8,278.44ha, or 35.53%, had been gazetted," he said in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 20).
“A further 15,018.72ha, or 64.47%, remains ungazetted or in the process of gazettement.
"This requires the attention and follow-up action of state governments to expedite the process in line with Madani government's commitment to environmentally sustainable development."
Nga said public open spaces are not only areas for leisure and recreation but important assets that contribute to the people’s wellbeing.
"These areas serve as green zones that absorb surface runoff (unconfined flow of water, such as excess rainwater, that travels over the land surface because it cannot be absorbed or infiltrated into the soil) helping to reduce the risk of flash floods, while providing recreational spaces that improve the community’s quality of life.
"Gazettement is crucial to protect public open spaces from encroachment, inappropriate changes in land use and management and maintenance issues that could compromise users’ safety.
"I urge state governments to intensify gazettement efforts in accordance with Section 62 of the National Land Code, as the matter falls under their jurisdiction.
"My ministry, through the Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia), will continue to monitor the gazettement status of public open spaces with the relevant parties to support a sustainable, liveable urban development that prioritises the people’s wellbeing," he said.
