By Aida Aziz
Photo: FB Nga Kor Ming
TAIPING: A total of 109 landscape development projects, involving an expenditure of RM51.9 million, were successfully developed by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) through the National Landscape Department (JLN) throughout 2024.
According to the Minister, Nga Kor Ming, these projects include Public Park Development, Urban Landscaping, Firefly Conservation Projects, and the Study of Species Suitability and Methods of Planting Shade Trees along Roadsides.
Additionally, the Landscape Master Plan and 102 Civilizational Recreation Parks were developed in collaboration with the Local Government Department (JKT) across the country.
“Through the 2025 Budget, RM96 million has been allocated to KPKT for landscape development to improve the lives and quality of life of the people.
“This allocation, the largest in 10 years, covers new projects and extensions, reflecting the importance of landscape development in contributing to the well-being of the people,” he said.
He made this statement during the launch of the National Landscape Policy 2.0 (DLN 2.0) in conjunction with the KPKT 2024 Success Tour for JLN in Taiping on Sunday.
DLN 2.0 includes five core areas, 18 strategies, and 47 action plans focusing on sustainable landscape development.
It also supports the growth of industries related to landscaping, contributes to the well-being of the people, and promotes a healthy lifestyle through landscape development.
During this tour, he also visited the conservation project at Taiping Lake Garden.
This project includes repairs to footpaths, park furniture, pavilions, and a bridge that is over 60 years old.
The project also covers the care and restoration of amenity trees, particularly the Samanea Saman trees, which are over 130 years old and are a key icon of the Taiping Lake Garden.
Additionally, maintenance and conservation of the lake will be carried out to prevent erosion along the lake’s banks, improve biodiversity, and enhance water quality.
