May-June , 2021 | @ Forest

29

BY AMANDA YEO

This can also be seen in Malaysia . The current administration advocates sustainable development agenda in the Budget 2021 for the first time . It was followed by the 100 Million Tree Planting Campaign on Jan 9 and the first Climate Change Action Council ( MyCAC ) meeting on Apr 13 .

The government is committed to reducing greenhouse gas ( GHG ) emissions by 165 million tonnes of carbon dioxide through the Low Carbon Mobility Development Plan 2021-2030 . However , rapid urbanisation in Malaysia may prevent local citizens from enjoying a higher quality of life .

According to the 2017 study by the Martin Prosperity Institute , University of Toronto ’ s Rotman School of Management , Malaysia is projected to have an urbanisation rate of more than 80 per cent by 2030 .

Rapid urbanisation leads to traffic congestion , overcrowded living conditions , risks to critical infrastructure , water crises and increased likelihood of diseases – a detrimental effect on the health and well-being of the citizens .

This can be seen in the Klang Valley area – 29 water cuts last year ; each water cut lasted a minimum of one and a half days .

Encourage open space

According to the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations ( Fomca ) president Marimuthu Nadason , Klang Valley residents still had to pay their water bill in full despite facing water cuts for 45 days last year .

In addition , the floods in Kuala Lumpur , Negeri Sembilan , Kelantan , Johor , Sarawak and Sabah during the third Covid-19 wave last October placed the life of the ordinary citizens in more devastating situations .

Therefore , the ongoing threat of water disruption and floods in Malaysia indicates that more green spaces are required in the country , promoting liveable cities around Malaysia .

In general , green spaces refer to initiatives that encourage the development of open space in an urban setting - providing people with the avenue to exercise , relax and socialise .

Parks , waterfronts , walking trails , sporting fields , community gardens , forests and beaches are known as green spaces . They integrate the natural environment with the built environment within the city itself , creating refuges of peace and quietness within the bustle of city life .

By integrating nature and high-rise buildings into the city planning processes , green spaces could slow down the rapid urbanisation in the country . At the same time , it also helps to promote the better physical and mental health of all Malaysians regardless of socio-economic status , neighbourhoods and genders .

A scientific review published in The Lancet Planetary Health found urbanites living near a park or a garden had a lower risk of premature death . They also tend to have a lower risk of lung diseases and diabetes .

On Dec 2 last year , Khazanah Research Institute ( KRI ) has indicated in its State of the Households 2020 report that several Malaysian states with higher Gross Domestic Product ( GDP ) per capita ( i . e ., Kuala Lumpur , Penang , Sarawak and Selangor ) – record higher life expectancies compared to poorer Malaysian states .

Studies show those who spend at least two hours in nature each week are less likely to have depression , anxiety and stress besides better sleep quality . This generates higher levels of well-being , including greater happiness and life satisfaction .

Bio-diversity in cities

According to a 2019 study conducted by the University of Arizona , 60 per cent of students reported they had better problem-solving skills after spending more time in nature . The majority had better attention spans and learning abilities , as well as better imagination and creativity .

Furthermore , green spaces in a city could reduce atmospheric temperatures between 2 ° and 8 ° Celsius , stimulating community walkability , food security , job creation and youth engagement .

Therefore , to create more urban green spaces in Malaysia , the Malaysian government could consider some of the initiatives below :

Installing pedestrian walkways or cycling pathways in place of roadways – promoting not more than 15-minute walking or cycling distance for most shops , parks , leisure facilities and residential areas . With these facilities , the local citizens can enjoy nature , get fit , relax and release stress through cycling and jogging activities ;

Creating mini forests to remove carbon dioxide and air pollution , reduce water pollution and serve as a noise buffer . They also provide habitat for other organisms such as birds and insects . Even though mini forests are small , they can restore biodiversity to cities ;

Converting empty spaces into urban farms – tackling food security related issues besides making good use of the existing sites ; and

Utilising natural resources advantage of the country to create more green jobs for the benefits of its citizens . Malaysia could invest in reducing the cost of existing low-carbon energy-efficient technologies such as solar , wind and bioenergy – transforming into a low-carbon economy .

As urbanisation is still taking place , city councils in Kuala Lumpur , Selangor , Johor Bahru , Kota Kinabalu , Georgetown and Kuching shall create more green spaces in their surroundings , addressing global warming .

In a nutshell , now is the time for the current administration to turn commitments into action . They should work closely with local authorities , community groups and environmental advocates to provide accessible and highquality green spaces in Malaysia . — @ Forest

Amanda Yeo is Research Analyst at EMIR Research , an independent think tank focused on strategic policy recommendations based on rigorous research .