Gazetted KL green spaces can be leased for non-green uses, says land office

KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 — Gazetted green spaces in Kuala Lumpur can be leased for uses other than greenery-related purposes, subject to planning controls and land-use conditions set by the authorities, according to The Star, citing the Federal Territories Lands and Mines Office (PTGWP).

The report said PTGWP stressed that approvals for such uses were also subject to the development order (DO) issued by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), which allows works to be carried out on the site.

It added that the duration of use depended on approval from the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Land Executive Committee (JKTWPKL).

“Lease applications for reserved land may be approved for a maximum period of 21 years, while temporary occupation licence (TOL) applications may be approved for up to three years,” PTGWP said in a statement responding to the English daily’s July 7 StarMetro front-page report titled “Green puzzle”.

The report followed public concerns over some gazetted green and open space sites being used for commercial purposes, including restaurants, vehicle showrooms and carparks.

PTGWP said investigations would first be conducted to determine whether such occupation was legal, adding that enforcement action could be taken under Section 425 of the National Land Code against commercial premises found to be occupying land unlawfully.

As of May 7, a total of 543 sites had been gazetted as open spaces and green areas in the MyHijau database.

PTGWP said the total number of gazetted green space lots currently being used for other purposes could not be determined immediately and further discussions with DBKL were needed.

It added that any application for reserved land lease received by PTGWP must first be reviewed by its officers and DBKL’s City Planning Department before being brought before JKTWPKL for a decision.