The perception of Kuala Lumpur publics' on tree retention and governance

Abstract

Environmental improvement has been on the national agenda since 1976, when the Parliament of Malaysia has announced the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172) Part VA as a tool to preserve and conserve trees. The guidelines within the Tree Preservation Order (1995) stipulated in detail the interpretation of the 1976 Act. In addition to the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172) Part VA, issues pertaining tree retention were also mentioned in Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133) Part II. However, in the latter Act, street tree maintenance and street tree planting are the focus. The establishment of Federal Territory Planning Act (1982): Act 267 has further strengthened the status of trees as the main catalyst of environmental conservation efforts in urban areas. The commitments to preserve and to improve urban conditions continued in 1995 movement is to achieve status of the 'Garden Cities' by the year 2010, the efforts seem circle around through 'Garden the Nation' movement by the Federal Government. While the main objectives of the major and attractive cities. Problems like funding, staffing, and people's perception have resulted in slow progress since launched 12 years ago. Thus, this study attempted to assess how the local publics perceived trees in the context of tree retention and governance. Questionnaire surveys were delivered to Kuala Lumpur public. The most significant result of the tree retention and governance required', 'People should be more prepared to oppose tree loss' and 'Non-Governmental statements were gathered from statements Additional legislation to support tree retention is Organizations should be involved actively in issues such as tree retention' and the least significant required',' Town planners should work with developers to minimize tree loss' and 'The community p results were statements 'A tax on new commercial development to retain and care for tree is centre should encourage people to participate in tree retention'. In conclusion, Kuala Lumpur public support the idea of retaining trees in urban areas however with few exemptions especially 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.