KL To Create 49ha Of New Recreational Spaces, Boosts Protection For Green Areas - Hannah

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will create nearly 49 hectares of new recreational spaces and public parks across the capital, as part of efforts to expand the city’s network of green areas and recreational facilities.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the strategic initiative included pre-development works and the utilisation of Department of Irrigation and Drainage reserves along Sungai Bunus and Kolam Ayer Panas.

She said the development will also cover the pond area next to Jalan Tasik Permaisuri 3, as well as a phased project at the Kampung Sungai Bohol Retention Pond.

“Our main aim under this initiative is not merely to create new recreational spaces, but to ensure that every valuable open and green space in Kuala Lumpur is legally gazetted and protected,” she said after inspecting the Bunus Flood Retention Pond here today.

She said the areas will be equipped with basic infrastructure suitable for people of all ages, particularly senior citizens and children, such as jogging tracks and lighting, while enforcement will be tightened to prevent encroachment or unauthorised commercial activities.

Hannah said that through the continued efforts of the Federal Territories Land and Mines Office (PPTGWP), 556 open-space lots have now been gazetted, while more than 200 others are in the final stages of the gazettement process.

She said the transparency of the gazettement process allows city residents to check the list of protected open spaces themselves through the MyHijau application on the official PPTGWP portal.

Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud said DBKL allocates more than RM200 million under Budget 2027 for the green cluster, covering the management, preservation and upgrading of public facilities.

He said DBKL submitted an application to the Ministry of Finance under a matching grant scheme to upgrade 14 neighbourhood children’s playgrounds to safer, more modern designs.

-- BERNAMA