Protect Kuala Lumpur's green spaces from development, minister urges

Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh stressed the importance of preserving Kuala Lumpur's green spaces, urging that they be protected from development to ensure their future availability. She stated that the capital city already has sufficient commercial development and should now focus on increasing its urban greenery.

"I do not want in the future any effort to take green areas in Kuala Lumpur for development purposes," Yeoh said. "I think we already have enough commercial development in Kuala Lumpur, so I want to green this area." She made these remarks during the Taman Tugu Adoption Program.

Yeoh announced that her ministry is providing RM50,000, with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) contributing an equal amount, to support tree planting and maintenance efforts at Taman Tugu. This initiative is part of broader efforts to green the capital and ensure that planted trees are suitable for the climate and do not pose safety risks to road users.

Datuk Bandar Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud, added that the management of green areas requires careful consideration of tree suitability, especially in areas outside Taman Tugu managed by DBKL. He noted that RM136 million has been allocated for landscaping and green spaces in Kuala Lumpur for 2026, including tree planting and the creation of recreational areas. The focus for the coming years will be on increasing tree planting in urban areas.

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I do not want in the future any effort to take green areas in Kuala Lumpur for development purposes. I think we already have enough commercial development in Kuala Lumpur, so I want to green this area.