SINCE its humble beginnings, the Lake Gardens (Taman Tasik Perdana) which has now been renamed Perdana Botanical Gardens (Taman Botani Perdana) by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is set to be a prime tourist spot in Malaysia’s capital city.
Located right in the heart of the city, the 122-year-old garden underwent the first phase of upgrading in March 2010 featuring a complete makeover of a park that beckons with luxurious greenery, new features and facilities that even cater to the less fortunate people — like the blind and handicapped.
The programme forms part of the city’s greening initiative under the Greening Kuala Lumpur and River of Life projects.
A total of RM18mil — out of which RM6mil from Kuala Lumpur City Hall — has been spent over the last six months to improve the facilities at the 101ha garden.
The first phase included cleaning of the area, planting trees — including the unique types like sausage tree, cannonball, elephant tree and bottle tree as well as Laman Heliconia. In total 1,275 plants and trees were planted.
Huge attraction: The overall landscape has been upgraded, allowing the park to function as a tourist destination.A Laman Perdana has also been set up for dignitaries and officials from other countries visiting Malaysia to plant a tree in the area.
Infrastructure wise, a waterfall at Jalan Tembusu, fish pond and boardwalk using railways sleepers have been built.
The garden has a retaining wall and bio grip installed to prevent landslides especially at sloppy areas along Jalan Tembusu.
The overall new-look garden with its enhanced beauty provides a picture perfect view for casual walks, picnic or even an outing with family and friends.
Najib, who was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor took a tour of the garden and its new features.
During the launch, Najib commended the participation from the private sector in helping with the upgrading programme.
“Tourists often like to visit parks and the botanical garden will also be promoted as an attraction.
“We also want to give a better quality of life to people that are part of Greater KL, who are able to smell fresh air, have clean environment and lead a sustainable life.
“We hope to promote greater environmental consciousness by changing our attitude and initiate efforts to allow us to achieve a higher level quality of life and environment,” he said,
Najib said as the end user, he appreciated such things like gardens, parks and greenery in life.
Meanwhile, Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said the commitment from the government to make the city green was strong.
He said under the economic stimulus package, the government has allocated RM25mil for DBKL to plant trees.
“So far DBKL has planted over 37,000 trees and the government has also established the Special Lab to oversee matters pertaining to Greater KL green areas.
“The lab has suggested that the total number of green area per citizen be increased to 1.48sq m by 2020 in the Greater KL area. Thus there will be 30,000 shady trees planted by 2012.
“On the botanic garden, it is a great initiative to make it a world class park, which has seen good response from the people,” said Nong Chik.
Speaking more about the park, Kuala Lumpur mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail said the second phase would take at least about two years to complete.
The second phase will commence immediately. It will have a visitors centre, cafe, boat house, souvenir shop, art sculptures, multi-level parking and even a herbarium for the collection of plants. It will also have a children’s park themed as Lat’s Kampung Boy, Garden for the Blind as well as upgraded facilities for the disabled.
As for the third phase, DBKL will add more collection of plants and trees, guided tour as well as outreach programmes with non-governmental organisation, schools and associations. All works are expected to be completed by 2015.
“For phase two, the Cabinet has approved RM35mil but we have to see the plan from the consultant and the amount needed for it.
“The prime minister liked the venue of the launch with a pavilion for hosting events, which will we look into making a permanent type of structure.
“As for the herbarium, we will be using the existing structure. We will build a gantry and we are also contemplating a wetland concept too for the kids,” he said.
Fuad added that they wanted to make the garden, a favourite spot for everyone.
The Perdana Botanical Garden was built by A. R. Venning in 1888, the state treasurer of Selangor at the time.
Lake Garden’s name was changed to Taman Tasik Perdana by Najib’s father, Malaysia’s second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein in 1975.
Within its vicinity stands the National Monument, the National Museum, Planetarium, Carcosa Seri Negara and other historical buildings. Also present at the launch was Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Douglas Unggah Embas, Deputy Federal Territories and Wellbeing Minister Datuk M. Saravanan and the ministry secretary-general Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib.
~News courtesy of The Star~
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