Deputy Minister Hannah Yeoh announced that nine additional open spaces in Kuala Lumpur have been gazetted, giving them legal protection against future development. The move expands the capital’s green network and aims to improve public health and climate resilience.
Kuala Lumpur has previously gazetted several parks under the 2019 Green Spaces Policy. The city currently protects about 20% of its land as open space, but rapid urbanisation has threatened many sites.
The nine new sites include small neighbourhood parks, riverfront corridors and a heritage garden, covering roughly 12 hectares. Gazettement means any construction or land‑use change now requires approval from the state land office.
The decision follows pressure from environmental NGOs and community groups who highlighted the loss of trees and heat‑island effects. The government also cited Malaysia’s commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
While developers lose potential land for high‑rise projects, residents gain more recreational space and cleaner air. Property values near protected parks often rise, which can raise housing costs for low‑income renters.
The city will monitor compliance and plan maintenance funding through the DBKL budget. Observers will watch whether the protection holds up against future infrastructure plans, especially the upcoming MRT extensions.