The perception of Kuala Lumpur publics' on tree retention and urban development

Abstract

Massive urban land conversion from primary and secondary forests into residential areas, retail parks, infrastructures, amenities etc. has lead to the urgent need to retain and conserve trees. Attempts have been made by the local authority and private sector to retain as well as planted trees especially along the street, residential areas and other places in Kuala Lumpur. However, with the notion of piecemeal development occurred in the vicinity areas of urbanized Kuala Lumpur, hence it is difficult to control the losing of trees especially on the streets and how many trees were then replaced after the construction works done. Thus, this study attempted to assess how the local publics perceived trees in the context of tree retention and urban development. Questionnaire surveys were delivered to Kuala Lumpur public. The most significant result of the tree retention and urban development statements were gathered from statements 'Tree retention should not inhibit economic development and 'Trees encourage economic investment' and the least significant results were statements 'Trees removal will increase water and air pollution' and 'Trees boost commercial land values'. In conclusion, Kuala Lumpur public support the idea of retaining trees in urban areas however with few exemptions especially on statements related to monetary values. City Hall of Kuala Lumpur, as the authorized administrator, should emphasized in comprehensive planning and retaining trees within the jurisdiction areas by collaborating with the private agencies and non-governmental organizations.