KL to add 49ha of green spaces as city moves to protect open areas, says Hannah Yeoh

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) plans to establish approximately 49 hectares of new recreational areas and public parks throughout the capital, aiming to expand the city's network of green spaces and facilities for residents to enjoy. Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh revealed that this strategic move encompasses preliminary development works and the use of irrigation and drainage reserves situated along Sungai Bunus and Kolam Ayer Panas.

The enhancements will also encompass the pond area adjacent to Jalan Tasik Permaisuri 3, as well as a staged project at the Kampung Sungai Bohol Retention Pond.

Yeoh emphasized that the objective of this initiative is to ensure that every significant open and green space in Kuala Lumpur is legally designated and safeguarded, extending beyond merely creating new recreational spaces. During her inspection of the Bunus Flood Retention Pond, she stated that the renovated areas will be furnished with essential infrastructure, such as jogging tracks and lighting, catering to individuals of all ages, particularly senior citizens and children.

Moreover, enforcement measures will be strengthened to deter encroachment or unauthorized commercial activities within these designated zones.

According to Hannah, the Federal Territories Land and Mines Office (PPTGWP) has successfully gazetted 556 open-space lots, with over 200 others nearing the completion of the gazettement process. The transparency of this process allows city residents to access the list of protected open spaces through the MyHijau application on the official PPTGWP portal.

Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud announced that DBKL has allocated over RM200 million in Budget 2027 for the green cluster, encompassing the management, preservation, and upgrading of public facilities. He disclosed that DBKL submitted an application to the Ministry of Finance under a matching grant scheme to modernize 14 neighborhood children's playgrounds, transforming them into safer and more contemporary designs.