KL to be a sustainable city

The Star

25-06-2025

An inclusive plan for all: Anwar with (from left) Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, KL Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Shariff and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Dr Zaliha Mustafa looking at the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 during its launch at the DBKL Training Institute in Kuala Lumpur. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (PTKL2040) marks the beginning of a major overhaul in development planning for the national capital, says the Prime Minister.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the long-delayed plan was now more structured, inclusive and human-centric, highlighting new thinking such as artificial intelligence and the interests of the B40 and M40 groups.
'Usually, when it comes to development plans, the people are just one aspect of it, and isola­ted with facilities concentrated on a certain group.
'This approach is not wrong, but there should be a more organised one with development being human-centric,' he said in launching PTKL2040 at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Training Institute here yesterday.
PTKL2040, which came into effect on June 11, will serve as the main guide for the physical development of Kuala Lumpur over the next 15 years.
It is designed to incorporate policies outlined in the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040 (PSKL2040) by focusing on several key aspects, namely land use planning control, development intensity, control over activities on each land lot, infrastructure planning, environmental conservation and improving the quality of life of city dwellers.
The plan was drawn up in line with the provisions of the Federal Territories (Planning) Act 1982, and through a careful preparation process involving comprehensive community participation.
Anwar said the government was not moving in a vacuum or building a new city but working with the existing structures and constraints, which posed a challenge.
As such, he said the plan was about building a new image within the old framework.
Although KL was developed to be a city with planned structure and modernity, over time, it has faced disorganisation especially when projects were approved without proper considerations, he said.
'I don't understand how approvals were given because this is an issue of governance.
'The plans are put in place but it is also bound by good management that adheres to regulations. Otherwise, we risk repeating the same chaos.
'We have inherited a situation that can be improved as the previous plans were made to suit the times, but now we need a specific and structured plan for everyone,' he said.
Anwar also spoke about how the plan faced resistance from the elite group especially on public housing projects, but said he was firm that the lower income group also deserved to live in comfort.
'When we put forward the plan, there were some issues as elites who have lived in comfort don't want their existing surroundings to be disturbed,' he added.
Under the plan, he said public transportation will be prioritised to favour the majority, adding that several new projects have been identified under the Transport Ministry.
He said new housing developments will be required to incorporate solar energy as part of being a more sustainable city.