Gazetting of Open Spaces: A Priority for Local Authorities
Minister’s Call to Action
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has emphasized the need for local authorities to expedite the gazetting of open spaces in their respective areas to prevent misuse by any parties. According to the Town and Country Planning Department’s (PLANMalaysia) statistics, 20,868 hectares of public open spaces nationwide are available for development, with only 39 per cent of them having been gazetted.
Importance of Gazetting
The minister highlighted that most public spaces are handed over by private entities during development projects, before obtaining planning approval. "The local authorities must expedite the submission to gazette (these spaces) to the Land and Mines Offices," he said. "Some gazetted public spaces were developed into parks…if the areas are not gazetted, it creates an opportunity for misuse by irresponsible parties," he added.
Achievements and Future Plans
The minister spoke at the National Landscape Department’s Sentuhan Kejayaan KPKT 2024 programme and launching the National Landscape Policy 2.0. He expressed hope that local authorities across the country can proceed to gazette the relevant areas next year and get allocations to develop the spaces from the National Landscape Department and Local Government Department.
In 2024, the National Landscape Department undertook 109 landscape development projects nationwide, with a total expenditure of RM51.9 million. Some of the completed projects include the Vision Public Park in Kepala Batas, Penang, and two urban landscape projects in Pekan, Pahang, and Dungun, Terengganu.
Budget Allocation for 2025
The National Landscape Department receives RM96 million in allocation under Budget 2025. For next year, the department has planned several new projects, including the development of the Labuan Botanical Garden in the Federal Territory of Labuan (RM5 million), two Landscape Master Plan projects for the Yan District Council and Kuala Pilah District Council, each allocated RM1 million, 111 MADANI Recreational Parks, as well as the Taiping Lake Gardens Conservation Project in Taiping, Perak, with a total allocation of RM10 million.
Conclusion
The gazetting of open spaces is crucial to ensure their protection and development for the benefit of the public. It is essential for local authorities to prioritize this task to prevent misuse and ensure that these spaces are used for their intended purpose.
FAQs
Q: Why is gazetting of open spaces important?
A: Gazetting of open spaces is important to prevent misuse and ensure their protection and development for the benefit of the public.
Q: What is the current status of gazetting of open spaces in Malaysia?
A: According to PLANMalaysia statistics, 20,868 hectares of public open spaces nationwide are available for development, with only 39 per cent of them having been gazetted.
Q: What is the allocation for the National Landscape Department in Budget 2025?
A: The National Landscape Department receives RM96 million in allocation under Budget 2025.