Kota Bharu:Urban landscapes are not merely decorative features but serve as crucial infrastructure in managing rising temperatures and flash floods in Kota Bharu.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Jayaraj Vijaya Kumaran from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan's Faculty of Earth Science emphasized that effective landscape planning in the city should incorporate natural and built elements alongside human activities. This includes parks, shade trees, rivers, drainage systems, roads, and heritage areas.
Dr. Jayaraj highlighted the significance of good landscaping in reducing heat, managing rainwater, improving air quality, and providing spaces for recreation and social interaction. He noted that these landscapes could also underscore Kelantan's cultural identity through public space designs, plant selections, and local architectural elements.
Green areas like the Tengku Anis Municipal Park are integral to the city's green infrastructure, where trees and greenery help lower temperatures, filter dust, enhance air quality, and slow rainwater runoff. However, he pointed out that the benefits of parks hinge on their accessibility, safety, facilities, and maintenance, stressing the need for connectivity to residential areas and pedestrian walkways.
To mitigate flash floods, Dr. Jayaraj suggested the use of nature-based solutions such as rain gardens, vegetated drains, retention ponds, river buffer zones, and permeable surfaces. He added that planting shade trees along streets and public spaces could reduce sun exposure and the urban heat island effect.
Kota Bharu is recognized as a Sustainable City through the MURNInets assessment and has a Green City Action Plan. Yet, Dr. Jayaraj stressed the need for stronger implementation in expanding green networks, sustainable mobility, effective flood and waste management, and comprehensive low-carbon development.
He also mentioned that landscape development could enhance Kota Bharu's image and boost tourism by connecting public spaces, heritage areas, and markets through safe and attractive routes. Incorporating Kelantan's cultural identity into modern landscapes without replicating old designs entirely could further enrich the visitor experience.
Dr. Jayaraj identified development pressure on green spaces and the need for better coordination among stakeholders as significant challenges. He advocated for early integration of landscaping, drainage, and tree preservation in planning stages.
Lastly, he proposed that the success of landscape development be measured by factors like tree survival rates, temperature reduction, and improved environmental quality, rather than just the number of trees planted. Strengthening the Green City Action Plan with measurable targets and prioritizing shade trees, safe paths, and river protection were among his recommendations.