Kuala lumpur: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, 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.
Ab Rauf highlighted that Melaka is enhancing the digitalisation of landscape management through the MyTrees@Melaka system. This state-led innovation is transforming tree management into a more efficient, systematic, and integrated process. Since its development in 2017, 70,753 tree inventory records have been compiled up to 2026 through collaboration between the four PBTs and the Melaka Forestry Department, he mentioned during the National Landscape Day 2026 celebration.
The event, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, also saw the presence of Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. Ab Rauf noted that the state government has intensified its greening efforts, with 10,588 trees planted throughout Melaka as of last June.
Emphasizing future landscape management, Ab Rauf stated the importance of recording, monitoring, and maintaining every planted tree based on data to ensure efficient, safe, and sustainable practices. He also mentioned the Aspiring Melaka Geopark, which aims to link geological heritage, biodiversity, culture, and local identity, reflecting Melaka's uniqueness. This effort not only preserves landscape treasures but also fosters education, conservation, and nature-based tourism, generating sustainable economic value for communities.
Last year, Melaka implemented three major landscape projects: the development of SDG Park @ Sungai Melaka, Kampung Felda Air Kangkung Recreation Park, and Taman Kejiranan Pulai Indah. Ab Rauf announced plans to continue these efforts with three additional MADANI Recreational Park projects this year, focusing on upgrading Dataran Sejarah Ayer Keroh landscape, Ayer Keroh Art Lanai, and Bukit Beringin Masjid Tanah MADANI Recreational Park. These projects aim to create spaces for public enjoyment, demonstrating progress through ecosystem preservation and improved quality of life.
Earlier, Ab Rauf noted that the four-day National Landscape Day 2026 celebration attracted nearly 3,000 participants nationwide, including landscape architecture professionals, PBT representatives, industry players, academics, and landscape enthusiasts. The celebration served as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange. A total of 12 PBT pavilions, showcasing creativity, innovation, and unique landscape identities, were developed, offering a platform for sharing ideas and best practices to strengthen the country's landscape sector.