PUTRAJAYA: More than 15,000 hectares, or 64.47 per cent, of public open spaces in Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territories have yet to be gazetted or are still undergoing the gazettement process, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
He said state governments had been called on to expedite the gazettement of public open spaces to ensure designated green areas remained protected and could be fully utilised for the benefit of the public, particularly in densely populated areas.
As of December 2025, a total of 23,297.15 hectares of public open spaces had been identified in Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territories. However, only 8,278.44 hectares, or 35.53 per cent, had been gazetted.
"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 today.
Nga said public open spaces were not merely areas for leisure and recreation, but also important assets that contributed to public well-being.
He said these spaces served as green zones that absorbed surface runoff, helping to reduce the risk of flash floods, while providing recreational areas that improved the community's quality of life.
Gazettement was crucial to protect public open spaces from encroachment, inappropriate changes in land use, and management and maintenance issues that could compromise users' safety, he added.
Nga called on state governments to step up gazettement efforts under Section 62 of the National Land Code (Act 828), as the matter falls under their jurisdiction.
"The Housing and Local Government Ministry (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.
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