The government's plan for a RM650 million boost to green up 66 acres around the National Monument (Tugu Negara) in Kuala Lumpur has been criticised as superfluous.

This, said PAS Federal Territories Youth chief Khairil Nizam Khirudin, is particularly when the country and the people are facing an economic crisis.

"PAS Federal Territories Youth doesn't reject the idea to make Kuala Lumpur green, but the need for this project at this point in time is most unnecessary.

"The government should use the budget allocation for this project for more urgent needs of the rakyat," Khairil Nizam said in a statement today.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak launched the Taman Tugu project yesterday, which will see sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional foot RM500 million of the bill.

Khairil Nizam expressed concern that the project would end up like other failed projects in the capital, citing the orchard park project at Jalan Bellamy.

He pointed out that the 2012 auditor-general's report had highlighted problems and financial issues concerning the project.

FT PAS Youth had highlighted the issue before, he said.

"The country and people are now facing economic challenges. An economic downturn is also expected to occur in 2017/2018.

"Therefore, why the need for the government and its agencies to spend such a large amount for such a low-impact project?" he asked.