States urged to gazette over 15,000ha of public open spaces in Peninsular Malaysia, FT

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 20 — More than 15,000 hectares or 64.47 per cent of public open spaces in Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territories have not yet been gazetted or are still in the process of gazettement, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.

He said all state governments have been urged to expedite the gazettement of public open spaces to ensure designated green areas remain protected and are fully utilised for the benefit of the people, particularly by providing green spaces in densely populated areas.

He said 23,297.15 hectares of public open spaces have been identified in Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territories as of December 2025. However, only 35.53 per cent, or 8,278.44 hectares, have been gazetted so far.

“Another 15,018.72 hectares, equivalent to 64.47 per cent, have yet to be gazetted or are still in the process of gazettement. This situation requires attention and follow-up action by state governments to expedite the process in line with the Malaysia Madani sustainable environmental development agenda,” he said in a statement here today.

Nga said public open spaces are not merely areas for leisure and recreation but also important assets that contribute to the well-being of the people.

He said such spaces also serve as green zones that absorb surface runoff, helping to reduce the risk of flash floods, while providing recreational areas that improve the community’s quality of life.

He said gazettement is crucial to protect public open spaces from encroachment, inappropriate changes in land use, as well as management and maintenance issues that could compromise users’ safety.

As such, he called on state governments to intensify gazettement efforts in accordance with Section 62 of the National Land Code [Act 828], as the matter falls under the jurisdiction of state governments.

“The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), through PLANMalaysia, will continue to monitor the gazettement status of public open spaces in collaboration with relevant parties to support more sustainable, liveable urban development that prioritises the well-being of the people,” he said. — Bernama