Kuala Lumpur:A total of 88 open-space lots in the Federal capital have been gazetted in the first nine months of this year, increasing the number of legally protected lots to 582, covering 476.17 hectares.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh announced that the latest gazettement involved 26 lots covering 7.33 hectares, equivalent to about 10 football fields. This move provides clearer legal protection for open spaces, ensuring their preservation for public benefit.

Open spaces play a critical role in the urban environment by absorbing rainwater runoff, reducing the effects of urban heat, and providing recreational areas for the community. The newly gazetted lots are spread across eight parliamentary constituencies: Bandar Tun Razak, Segambut, Seputeh, Cheras, Wangsa Maju, Lembah Pantai, Batu, and Setiawangsa.

In Bandar Tun Razak, the areas include Alam Damai, Taman Damai Jaya, and Taman Connaught. Segambut features Taman Segambut Indah, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Taman Sri Hartamas, Taman Sri Kuching, and Taman Sri Bintang. Seputeh hosts lots in Taman LTAT, Taman Shanghai, Bandar Bukit Jalil, and Taman Esplanad, while Cheras includes Taman Midah, Taman Connaught, and Taman Bukit Ria.

Additional areas include Taman Desa Melawati and Taman Setapak in Wangsa Maju, Bukit Persekutuan/Jalan Travers in Lembah Pantai, Taman Kok Lian in Batu, and Taman Keramat AU3 in Setiawangsa.

Residents can check the list, gazettement status, and locations of all 582 open spaces via the MyHijau link on the official Federal Territories Land and Mines Office (PPTGWP) website. This facility allows Kuala Lumpur residents and residents' associations to monitor and help preserve open spaces in their neighborhoods.