MELAKA, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- Melaka has established a strong foundation for sustainable landscape development through the enforcement of the Tree Preservation Order under the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172), safeguarding high-value trees that form an integral part of the state’s landscape heritage.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the introduction of the Melaka State Landscape Guidelines in 2022 had further strengthened the foundation by providing a comprehensive framework for implementing agencies, local authorities (PBTs), developers and stakeholders to undertake landscape development in a planned, high-quality, distinctive and sustainable manner.
“More importantly, Melaka is strengthening the digitalisation of landscape management through the development of the MyTrees@Melaka system, a state-led innovation that is transforming tree management into a more efficient, systematic and integrated process.
“Since its development in 2017, a total of 70,753 tree inventory records have been compiled up to 2026 through collaboration between the four PBTs and the Melaka Forestry Department,” he said at the National Landscape Day 2026 celebration here tonight.
The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and was also attended by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming
Ab Rauf said the state government had also continued to intensify its greening efforts, with a total of 10,588 trees successfully planted throughout Melaka as of last June.
He said that based on the future landscape management framework set by the state government, every tree planted must be recorded, monitored and maintained based on data, ensuring more efficient, safer and sustainable management practices.
Ab Rauf said building on the foundation that had been established, the state government was also realising the Aspiring Melaka Geopark as a link between geological heritage, biodiversity, culture and local identity, reflecting the uniqueness of Melaka.
He said the effort would ensure Melaka’s landscape treasures were not only preserved but also leveraged as a platform for education, conservation and nature-based tourism that generates sustainable economic value for communities.
In the meantime, he said three major landscape projects had been implemented in Melaka last year, namely the development of SDG Park @ Sungai Melaka, Kampung Felda Air Kangkung Recreation Park and Taman Kejiranan Pulai Indah.
“These efforts will continue this year through three additional MADANI Recreational Park projects involving the upgrading of the Dataran Sejarah Ayer Keroh landscape, the Ayer Keroh Art Lanai and the Bukit Beringin Masjid Tanah MADANI Recreational Park.
“These projects are not just about beautifying the areas, but about creating spaces that can be used and enjoyed by the people, demonstrating that progress is not only measured by physical development, but also by our ability to preserve the ecosystem and improve people’s quality of life,” he said.
Earlier, Ab Rauf said the four-day National Landscape Day 2026 celebration, which started yesterday, attracted nearly 3,000 participants from across the country, including landscape architecture professionals, PBT representatives, industry players, academics and landscape enthusiasts, serving as a platform for collaboration, innovation and knowledge exchange.
He said a total of 12 PBT pavilions showcasing creativity, innovation and unique landscape identities were also developed, making the celebration a platform for sharing ideas and best practices in strengthening the country’s landscape sector.
--BERNAMA