The role of gardens and recreational areas in Malaysia

Abstract

Malaysia is undergoing very rapid modernisation. This is most evident in our cities where many projects were completed during the last ten years and many more are being completed. Such projects are usually preceeded with announce- ments of new looks, new face lifts, changing skylines etc. Many of these projects are aimed at providing better facilities for the officials and business communities. These projects are mainly multi-storied car parks, transport facilities, office space, etc. Especially in our cities, progress and development are dictated by economic terms with the result that there is a danger of urban areas turning into smoky, noisy,ugly crammed cities of concrete and steel where men are slaves of machines. However, there are some attempts at beautification of some sections of our cities as seen in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Ipoh.