DBKL Steps Up Sponge City Initiative, Plants Over 22,000 Trees

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is strengthening its Sponge City initiative by expanding green infrastructure to reduce flash flood risks and lower temperatures across the federal capital.

In a statement today, DBKL said the initiative, which incorporates nature-based solutions, had seen 22,940 shade trees planted between 2023 and 2026, including 8,917 this year alone.

It said the tree-planting programme was being implemented in phases to increase green cover and help maintain the city's ecological balance.

"As part of efforts to increase tree canopy cover by 50 per cent, DBKL is also assessing undeveloped government-owned land to support its initiative to plant one million trees in Kuala Lumpur by 2040," it said.

DBKL said the Sponge City concept focuses on improving the urban environment's natural ability to absorb and store rainwater, slow its flow and release it gradually.

"The measures include developing rain gardens and bioswales, using permeable surfaces and creating green spaces to improve rainwater management.

"The use of permeable surfaces, particularly on pedestrian walkways, access areas and other designated areas, allows more rainwater to seep into the ground, reducing surface runoff and easing pressure on the drainage system during heavy rainfall," the statement said.

DBKL said its initiatives also included developing microforests, pocket parks and green connectors, as well as enhancing greenery along suitable river corridors.

To date, three microforest projects have been implemented at FGV Pocket Park, Lot 20002 in Jalan Sultan Ismail, and Lots 316 and 2002 in Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman, involving the planting of 600 trees from 40 native species.

DBKL said it also planned to develop microforests in 32 gazetted open spaces by 2027, while another 183 undeveloped open spaces and pocket park sites could be transformed into microforests with recreational facilities by 2040.

Through dense, multi-layered tree planting, the initiative helps expand canopy cover and reduce local temperatures through shading and evapotranspiration, while enhancing biodiversity and improving rainwater absorption," the statement said.

On tree management and safety, DBKL said it had engaged 21 certified arborists through its panel of contractors to assess tree health, stability and potential safety risks, including for trees proposed for removal.

DBKL said it would continue identifying suitable locations for green infrastructure development, particularly in densely built-up areas and those prone to flash floods, with open spaces, undeveloped government land and road junctions among the potential sites for microforest development.

"The Sponge City approach complements flood mitigation projects and upgrades to existing drainage systems.

"Integrating green infrastructure with conventional drainage systems is essential to improving the city's ability to manage larger volumes of rainwater," the statement added.

--BERNAMA