Development of the Landscape Industry in Malaysia

 

Upon gaining independence in 1957, Malaysia adopted a three-tier governmental structure consisting of the Federal, State, and Local Governments.  Local Authorities (LAs), including town councils and municipal councils, were responsible for urban planning, public amenities, and, indirectly, landscape management.

Prior to the introduction of the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171), LAs operated under various pre-independence statutes and municipal enactments. Each LA had its own rules and requirements, which led to inconsistencies across the country.

Architects, engineers, and planners had to navigate a variety of submission standards, technical requirements, and approval processes. Landscape-related works, although not always explicitly legislated, were subject to these local variations in open space and amenity requirements.

 

Key Legislation Affecting Landscape Development

Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133): This act introduced formal building regulations. The Certificate of Fitness for Occupation (CFO) was issued by local authorities to confirm compliance with all conditions, including street, drainage, and indirect landscape provisions such as open spaces and setbacks.

     

 

Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171): Act 171 replaced and consolidated many separate laws governing local authorities inherited from the colonial era and post-independence acts, including:

1.      Town Boards Enactment of the Federated Malay States [F.M.S. Cap. 137]

2.      Municipal Ordinance of Straits Settlements [Cap. 133]

3.      Johore Town Boards Enactment [Johore No. 118]

4.      Municipal Enactment of Kelantan, 1938 [No. 20/1938]

5.      Town Boards Enactment of Trengganu, 1955 [Cap. 64 3/1955]

6.      Local Councils Ordinance, 1952

7.      Local Government (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1973

 

Under Act 171, State Governments, in consultation with the Ministry of Housing & Local Government and the Election Commission, may establish a Local Authority, declare its status as a Municipal or District Council, define its area, and determine its boundaries. These LAs are empowered to control land development within their areas and to engage in social, economic, and infrastructural development, acting as catalysts for industrial, commercial, and housing projects, in addition to overseeing amenities and public facilities.

 

Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172): Provides a framework for land use planning. Development plans may require public open spaces, amenity areas, buffer planting, and environmental landscaping, which directly influence landscape implementation. Act 172, adopted concurrently with Act 171, replaced the older Master Plan System with the Development Plan System from the British model, offering a uniform planning framework across all states.

 

Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) 1984: Standardized technical building requirements nationwide. While no dedicated landscape section exists, clauses on open space, setbacks, ventilation, and parking areas indirectly regulate landscape. Local authorities may supplement UBBL with specific landscape guidelines.

Rule 25 of Uniform Building By-laws, a subsidiary legislation under section 133 of Street, Drainage and Building. states : “Certificate of Fitness for Occupation of a building shall be given when :- (a) the qualified persons during the course of the work have certified in form E as set out in the Second Schedule to these By-laws that they have been supervised the erection of the building, that to the best of their knowledge and belief the building has been constructed in accordance with these By-laws and any conditions imposed by the local authority and that they accept full responsibility for those portions which they ae respectively concerned with and the local authority or an officer authorized by it in writing for the purpose has inspected the building. (b) all essential services, including access roads, landscape, car parks, drains, sanitary, water and electricity installation, fire lifts, fire hydrant and others where required, sewerage and refuse disposal requirements have been provided.”

The UBBL introduced Form E, the official application form that a 'Qualified Person' (Architect/Engineer) had to submit to the Local Authority to request a CFO.  For the first time, every local council in Peninsular Malaysia used the same criteria to determine if a house was "fit for occupation."

Under the 2007 amendment to the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL), landscaping was formally integrated into the compliance process through the introduction of the Form G. Specifically, Form G14 (Landscaping) now requires a formal sign-off to certify that all landscape works have been completed according to the approved plans before a Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) can be issued, effectively elevating landscaping to the status of an essential development component alongside water and electricity.

Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Act 1995 (Act A933): Part VA was inserted into the Act to address environmental concerns and the need for better tree conservation amidst rapid urbanisation. The central provision is Section 35A, which empowers Local Planning Authorities to issue a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

The primary purpose of a TPO is to prohibit the felling, topping, lopping, uprooting, or willfully damaging of specific trees, groups of trees, or woodlands that are deemed to be of significant amenity value to the local area.

PART VA TREE PRESERVATION ORDER 35A. “If it appears to the local planning authority that it is expedient in the interest of amenity to preserve any tree, trees or group of trees in its area, it may make a tree preservation order with respect to such tree, trees, or group of trees.”

    

 

While Section 35A allows Local Planning Authorities to protect specific heritage trees or woodlands, Section 35H is more commonly applied in urban development, requiring developers to obtain a permit before felling any tree with a girth exceeding 0.8 meters.

Street, Drainage and Building (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act A1286): The CFO system was replaced with the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) to streamline building approvals. Principal Submitting Persons (PSPs), such as architects and engineers, are responsible for ensuring all conditions, including approved landscape works, are completed before issuing the CCC. Six related acts were amended to implement this system:

1. Act 117 – Architects Act, 1967 / Act A1287 Amendments 2007: Increased penalties for wrongful certification and express provisions on fraudulent certification.

2. Act 118 – Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act, 1966 / Act A1289 Amendment 2007: Redefined to suit CCC, and Vacant Possession issuance together with CCC.

3. Act 133 – Street, Drainage & Building Act, 1974 / Act A1286 Amendment 2007: Provisions for CCC implementation, definition of PSP, and increased penalties for wrongful certification.

4. Act 133 – Section 133 – UBBL, 1984 / Amendments 2007: Provisions for CCC implementation and introduction of Form G [Matrix of Responsibility].

5. Act 138 – Registration of Engineers Act, 1976 / Act A1288 Amendments 2007: Increased penalties for wrongful certification and express provisions on fraudulent certification.

6. Act 318 – Strata Titles Act, 1985 / Act A1290 Amendments 2007: Redefined to suit CCC.

 

   

 

 

Institutional Development in Landscape Industry

Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM, 1981): Professionalized the landscape industry, set professional standards, promoted research, provided continuing education, and advised on policy.  ILAM also serves as the official body that liaises with local authorities, universities, and international landscape architecture organizations.

 

 

Jabatan Landskap Negara (1996): Develops national landscape policies, guidelines, and standards, and monitors landscape quality in public projects.

Jabatan Landskap Negara (JLN) is under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan, KPKT).   Its roots go back to a Landscape Unit in the Department of Town & Country Planning in 1981.  

It was officially established as a separate federal department on 1 January 1996, following approval by the Cabinet.

 

Educational Institutions

The formalization of landscape architecture as an academic discipline began at Institut Teknologi MARA (now UiTM), which pioneered the field by introducing the Diploma in Landscape Design in 1985.  This was followed by the establishment of the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture programs at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in 1993.

In the 1984, UPM’s Faculty of Agriculture introduced a three‑credit course called “AGRO 472 – An Approach to Landscape Design”.  1996, the Faculty of Design and Architecture was officially established, offering the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Hons) degree.

UiTM started with a Diploma in Landscape Design in 1985, and later introduced its Bachelor of Landscape Architecture in 1995.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) launched its Bachelor of Landscape Architecture in 1993.

 

 

 

MALAYSIA’s National Landscape Policy

Dasar Landskap Negara (2010): Provides a national framework for landscape planning, design, management, and conservation, emphasizing sustainable urban development, environmental enhancement, public amenity, and aesthetic quality.

 

   

 

CONCLUSION

The landscape industry in Malaysia has evolved through the standardization of legislation, the institutionalization of professional practice, and the establishment of national policies. Today, landscape architecture is recognized as an integral component of urban development, guided by legislation, professional governance, and strategic national policies.

 

Ongzi's Golden Rule #1 Watering

For toiling the earth since the dawn of the second millennium, I have learned an important lesson, a Golden Rule for a farmer, which I long to share. 

Be it a farmer, a gardener, an agriculturist, a horticulturist, a landscaper, or any other profession that involves tedious labor, the Golden Rule is surely applicable, especially in our scorching hot climate. 

The Rule is: water! Supply, sprinkle, moisten, and drench whatever plants are being cultivated with water. Don't wait until tomorrow what you can do today, and definitely never put watering on hold. After all, water is the essence of life! 

Regardless of darkened clouds or brewing storms, get the water truck filled for immediate watering, especially for turf. A smart farmer never expects free watering from the rain. 

Rain can be a blessing, but it certainly cannot be predicted or depended on. After all, man can only rely on his own toil and hard work. 

Rain can only be hoped for, never prayed for!  Man must not forget that rain is beyond man’s might. 

 

 

MS 2603:2015 Bahan Tanaman Landskap

Landscape : Curbing the Curbs 3

If the main role of road curbs are to keep vehicles on the road, and preventing them off the green area and especially walkway, then it can be easily replaced with guardrails. 

In Malaysian environment, weather is a nuisance. There are times when it rains so heavily, causing flash floods ; and there are also times when there is not a single drop of rain for weeks. 

Cambered asphaltic concrete road (A) allows fast flow of water off the road surface.  If the surface water are directed straight to the drain (C), there will be minimal water seepage through the green area.

However, if the green areas are designed conclave to trap water (B), not too much of course, just enough for some water to seep into the ground and thus more water available for trees and shrubs. 

The water from watering tank during dry spell too will be more effectively seep into the soil, mineral soils especially. In addition, it also trap the fertilizer from being easily washed away.

Landscape : Playground Equipment @ Sibu 1980s

slides

merry-go-round / roundabout

seesaw

swings

Landscape Guidelines @ Malaysian Authorities

Publications by Jabatan Landskap Negara :

    Garis Panduan Negara Edisi 2
    National Landsape Policy
    Manual Pelan Induk Landskap
    Panduan Penanaman Pokok Teduhan
    Panduan Rekabentuk Sejagat Kemudahan Rekreasi Taman Awam 

Guidelines by Jabatan Perancangan Bandar & Desa Malaya :

    Garis Panduan Perancangan 005-A Tanah Lapang & Rekreasi ( draft )
    Garis Panduan Perancangan 014-A Taman Atas Bumbung
    Garis Panduan Perancangan 022-A Gated Community & Guarded Neighbourhood
    Garis Panduan Perancangan 024-A Kejiranan Hijau
     

Landscape Guidelines for respective Local Authorities :

    Kemaman

    Klang
    Kota Bharu
    Kuantan
    Kubang Pasu
    Nilai 
    Selayang
 

Landscape : Cover over Sarikei's Drain

Drain covers are not necessary made of concrete or plastic.   Wood can be an option if the material is easily available, economical feasible, durable and weather-proof.

Along Jalan Berek in Sarikei, the drain is covered by wooden cover made of cengal wood.   Cengal wood is one of the hardest wood in Malaysia, of the Neobalanocarpus heimii tree.  The wood is hard, compact, durable and even termite-resistant.   It is however not maintenance-free.  Nothing is maintenance-free.

An unique feature in Sarikei not to be missed.

Landscape : Curbing the Curbs 2

Road curbs, when wrongly placed, or poorly maintained, literally curb the rainwater from flowing away from the road, thus keeping the rainwater on the road surface.  When curbs defeated its purpose, road become streams of waterway.

Not only the scupper/discharge drains are not sufficient to direct the water to storm drain, they are clogged with sands and vegetation as well.   Over time, sand and earth form vehicles accumulate at the road edge. Yet, instead of sweeping the sand away, they were dumped on the road shoulders.

It does not need an civil engineer or a town planner to realize that the curb is not serving its purpose.

Obviously, there are other reasons.  I can imagine some :

1. incompetent architects designed the road.  They are either ill-equipped with the knowledge, or with ill-intention ;

2. deceitful contractors cut corners in doing their sloppy work ;

3. cheating maintenance contractors not doing their job ;

4. corrupt government officials closed one of their eyes ;
5. damaged of pipes by third-party contractor ;

6. and yes, we could blame the weather : it rains too much !

Or, we can just do away the curbs.   For new projects, level down the road shoulders so that rain water can flow freely to the storm drain.  That should settle the problem once and for all.

However, for the existing problematic curbs, either spend a perennial sum to maintain and repair the drains, or spend a lump sum to level down the shoulders.  Of course, the government can always find whoever created the mess, and make them pay.  



Just in case, for those who don't know how's the look of a road without curbs, check out the photo below.

Landscape : Curbing The Curbs

Road curb or kerb, is the edge where a raised footpath, road median or road shoulder meets an unraised roadway.  It is typically made from concrete, asphalt or long stones.

Ideally …

Curbs are designed to guide water from melted snow and rain into storm drains.  It also keeps vehicles on the road.  Curbs also add to the aesthetic aspect of the road.

Since curbs add to the cost of a road, they are generally limited to urban and suburban areas, except where certain drainage conditions make them necessary.  However, curbs are not universally used, even in urban settings.

In reality …

Poorly maintained curbs often results in ponding of water.  Sand and dirt from vehicles, blades of grass leaves, debris and rubbish accumulate at drain.  After some time, the sand and debris become growing bed for weeds.  Soon the curb will be infested with weeds of all sizes !

Often after heavy downpour, surface rainwater find limited outlet to drain out of the road.  The curbs acts as a retention wall to keep the water in, while the scupper drains hardly suffice to drain the water in time ( as diagram below ).   It is not hard to find Malaysian roads flooded during heavy downpours, no thank to curbs !

Big puddles can be dangerous, as they can cause hydroplaning at higher speeds and loss of control of a vehicle.  At times, water can spray from tires onto following vehicles, causing poor visibility.  Also the unfortunate are pedestrians and motorcyclists who were splashed by hydroplaning.

Prolonged ponding due to blocking of water by curbs eventually leads to deterioration of asphalt concrete roads.  Over time, the damaged asphalt widened and deepened.  Potholes posses danger to motorists, especially motorcyclists, the least, damage the vehicle's tires and suspension system.

At the end of the day, all the shortcomings and damages translate into monetary losses.  Additional cost to construct the curbs, extra earth to level up, sweeping of sands, rubbish collection, weeding etc… all at our expense, the ratepayers.  For sure, someone is making a profit out of it.

To consider …

There are no doubts that curbs do serve their purpose, providing there are rightly located.  There are places for them, there are places not for them as well.

While it may be feasible to have curbs at pedestrian-heavy urban and housing estates, it may not necessary for highways, trunk roads and any other road with low pedestrian users. 

Cambered asphaltic concreted road, tufted soil/walkway should be leveled to allow smooth flow of water into the storm drains ( as diagram above ).  It may seems inconvenience for pedestrian as the water from the road, flowing pass the walkway.  But who would walk down less-travelled road during heavy downpour ?