"They didn't forget us": Revived Jalan Hang Tuah Park reconnects a community

New Straits Times

6 hours ago

WHAT used to be an underused park in the heart of Kuala Lumpur is today a safe, welcoming and green community space that has reconnected generations and breathed new life into daily routines.
This month marks two years since the transformation of the flats' multipurpose park under the Public Realm Improvement Programme led by PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd (PMVSB), with urban regeneration experts Think City as the project's implementation partner.
Completed in 2023, the project is part of a wider initiative to revitalise shared spaces in neighbourhoods surrounding the Merdeka 118 precinct under Warisan KL, a programme focused on safeguarding heritage through inclusive, people-first development.
" Perumahan Awam (PA) Jalan Hang Tuah holds a special place in our journey. More than just physical space, it's a symbol of our commitment to inclusivity, sustainability and long-term community well-being," shares Datuk Tengku Ab. Aziz Tengku Mahmud, the chief operating officer of PMVSB.
Today, the park features a vibrant community garden, a shaded seating area, outdoor fitness equipment and a sturdy multi-purpose court. But beyond the new amenities, its real success lies in the lives it has touched.
This project is also about people and the proof lies in the way neighbours now use the space. It wasn't just built FOR the community; it was built WITH them. During the planning stage, residents were invited to contribute ideas and suggestions, shaping the design to suit their needs.
"We have seen a real transformation — not just of the space but also of the people," explains Mohd Ismail Abdullah, who is the chairman of the PA Jalan Hang Tuah Residents Association.
Adding, he says enthusiastically: "There is more togetherness now. The park is where our grandchildren play, where families gather and where neighbours become friends."
BUILT TO LAST
At its core, sustainability remains the heart of the project. From upcycled fencing and playground parts, to re-purposed milk cartons providing shade, every element has been designed with long-term resilience in mind.
Porous pavers improve drainage, while newly-planted trees help to provide shelter against the heat for the surrounding area. For Datuk Hamdan Abdul Majeed, managing director of Think City, it's an example of how thoughtful, inclusive design can empower rather than displace.
"This milestone is proof that with the right partnerships and a people-first approach, we can revitalise neighbourhoods without displacing their soul," he points out, adding: "We didn't just build a park, but we also nurtured a stronger, greener and more connected community."
"WE ARE NOT FORGOTTEN"
For long-time residents, the transformation is deeply personal. What was once overlooked is now loved. The space has quietly and consistently made room for joy, rest and shared memory.
For 54-year-old Telaga, who has called the area home for over three decades, the change is deeply personal. "For the longest time, the park was underused. Now, it's the centre of our daily life. It brings me peace to see children play and seniors relax under the shade," she confides.
"We are grateful to have a place that feels safe and where we can feel cared for. It's good to know that we are not forgotten. They included us in the change," says resident Amira, 34, who has been living in the housing area since 1991.
The success has also inspired similar improvements in other neighbourhoods. Most recently, PMVSB completed its Taman Kejiranan project at PA Seri Sarawak, creating yet another community-centred green space.
These efforts show that meaningful urban progress isn't just measured in steel and glass. It's in the quality of life that everyday spaces provide.
MODEL FOR OTHERS
PMVSB's Public Realm Improvement Programme shows that real urban progress isn't just about building tall towers or shiny malls. Sometimes, the biggest difference can occur at ground level, where a bench can spark a conversation, a garden can bring neighbours together and a safe green space can brighten someone's day.
As Kuala Lumpur's skyline continues to rise, small interventions like the PA Jalan Hang Tuah park show that progress can be made across communities and into the everyday lives of people.
Two years on, the park at PA Jalan Hang Tuah is a quiet success story; proof that even a small, thoughtful upgrade can bring comfort, pride and a sense of belonging to the people who live there.