PUTRAJAYA, May 15 — The National Landscape Department has been instructed to identify tree species suitable for planting in urban areas and not hazardous to the public, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
This matter was discussed during today's Cabinet Meeting, and relevant steps would be taken soon by the National Landscape Department.
"This morning, the Cabinet Meeting discussed this, whereby the National Landscape Department was tasked with identifying suitable tree species for planting in urban areas, along roadsides to ensure the safety of the public," he said.
Nga was speaking at a press conference after the pre-launch ceremony of National Landscape Day 2024 (HLN 2024) today.
Earlier today, it was reported that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ordered the planting of 100 trees for every unnecessary tree felled in Kuala Lumpur.
This move follows several incidents of trees falling in the capital city within a month, resulting in a fatality due to these unexpected occurrences.
An incident on May 7 along Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, resulted in one fatality and one injury after a falling tree struck them following heavy rain and strong winds.
On HLN 2024, Nga said it would make history, as the King would grace National Landscape Day for the first time.
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, has consented to officiate the opening of the HLN 2024 celebration on May 25 at Taman Tasik Shah Alam, Selangor.
On March 27, Nga was quoted as saying that the King personally conveyed the consent to him during a royal audience at Istana Negara.
HLN 2024 will last for 10 days, from May 24 to June 2, and serve as a platform for landscape industry players to promote and market landscaping products.
Expecting 50,000 visitors, he said the organisation of HLN 2024 aims to increase awareness and appreciation of landscaping, especially among the younger generation, and to spread awareness of the importance of landscapes to well-being through comprehensive landscape development programmes.
"This celebration also aims to enhance the quality of the country's landscape development by creating awareness, generating interest, and knowledge among all parties about landscapes," Nga said.
Themed ‘Industri Landskap Pemacu Pembangunan Madani’, HLN 2024 reflects the continuous effort between the ministry and the National Landscape Department to empower the landscape industry as a new economic resource.
Various events are planned to liven up the celebration, including the HLN 2024 run, colouring contests for children, From Garden to Kitchen cooking demonstrations, mural painting competitions, and the construction of sculptures from recycled materials.
— Bernama
