ALOR SETAR: The Sultan of Kedah, Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, today officiated the opening of Urban Forest 1, a city greening and sustainability project at Dataran Medan Bandar here.
Jemaah Dato’-Dato’ Negeri Kedah vice-president Datuk Bakar Din said the initiative continues the Two Million Trees programme launched earlier this year, targeting 2.2 million trees planted statewide by 2030.
He said the project supports the ‘City in a Garden’ concept aimed at creating green urban spaces that foster ecological balance and enhance residents’ well-being.
“This effort is a collaboration between the council, Alor Setar City Council, the state government and the Housing and Local Government Ministry, with strong backing from government agencies and private partners,” he told reporters after the ceremony.
Also present were Sultanah of Kedah Sultanah Maliha Tengku Ariff, Raja Muda of Kedah Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Sultan Sallehuddin, Tunku Mahkota of Kedah Tunku Shazuddin Ariff Sultan Sallehuddin and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
Bakar said species planted include Tacoma, Pulai, Merawan Siput Jantan and sunflowers, alongside ornamental and shrub varieties suited to urban environments.
He added that Urban Forest 1 marks the first of several projects planned for major towns across Kedah, in line with the state’s vision of a green, prosperous and sustainable future.
“The site will also serve as a new city attraction, complementing nearby landmarks such as Masjid Zahir and Istana Kuning, in conjunction with Visit Kedah Year 2025,” he said.
