KUALA LUMPUR: Taman Tugu, a 26.7ha rainforest park project for the public located behind the Tugu Negara National Monument here, has been launched by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said the project would become an icon for Kuala Lumpur, similar to how Hyde Park is synonymous with London, and how Central Park is synonymous with New York.

“This is a national project and will help to elevate Malaysia to developed nation status when the time comes,” Najib said at the launch on Sunday.

Taman Tugu, when fully completed, will contain more than 5,000 Malaysian rainforest trees.

The park will also feature many facilities such as restaurants and a camping area, canopy walks, zip lines, a water park, jogging path, walkways and cycling lanes, and observation deck.

A walkway will link the park with the Perdana Botanical Gardens and KL Sentral.

The not-for-profit project is undertaken by Khazanah Nasional Berhad in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur City Hall, and supported by various stakeholders.

The Government in July had approved the plan to place Taman Tugu in a public trust, preserving it as a green lung for perpetuity.