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Free Malaysia Today
14 hours ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
DBKL aims for 70% of residents to use public transport by 2040
The Kuala Lumpur Local Plan has a strong focus on the city's public transport network, said mayor Maimunah Sharif. KUALA LUMPUR : The Kuala Lumpur Local Plan (PTKL) aims for 70% of the public to be using public transport by 2040, says city mayor Maimunah Sharif. This is in conjunction with PTKL 2040's primary goal of shaping Kuala Lumpur into an all-inclusive 'green' city. In particular, DBKL aims to implement an efficient, low-carbon mobility system city-wide. With 191 initiatives outlined in the plan, PTKL's 'City for All' theme places a heavy focus on sustainability, with the development and maintenance of green spaces a key concept in its spatial planning. During a press briefing, Maimunah said DBKL might provide incentives to increase population density around transit zones where LRT or MRT stations are located. 'This is common in Japan, where people work, live, and play around transit zones. This helps lessen congestion and steers us in the direction of a low-carbon city,' she said. Much of PTKL 2040's zoning revolves around coordinating with the framework of Kuala Lumpur's railway systems, especially the upcoming MRT3 network. PTKL aims to create a transport network that allows the public to go from place to place with a walking distance of less than 400m. There have been various public concerns regarding the accessibility of Kuala Lumpur's public transport system in recent years. Transport think tank My Mobility Vision identified first- and last-mile connectivity as one of the primary issues steering the public towards private vehicle use. Last month, deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the use of public transport in Malaysia was still low at around 25%. Zahid suggested that this could be improved with a shift in user attitudes through a combination of reliable public transport systems and comprehensive awareness campaigns.
Free Malaysia Today
14 hours ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Bold policies needed to boost use of public transport in KL to 70%, say experts
The Kuala Lumpur Local Plan calls for a transport network in which people can travel from place to place, with transit stations within walking distance of less than 400m. PETALING JAYA : The government must make major investments and bold policy changes to meet the goal of 70% public transport usage by 2040 under the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan, say two transport experts. Transport consultant Rosli Khan said many improvements are needed to raise the current public transport usage from below or around 20% to 70%. Rosli Azad Khan. Rosli said the public transport system in the city suffers from poor coverage in suburban areas, weak first-mile last-mile connectivity, and a lack of dedicated bus lanes. 'Many residential and commercial areas aren't connected to the MRT, LRT, commuter trains, or bus networks,' he said. Even where buses are available, they compete with cars on congested roads, making journeys slow and unreliable. Rosli said land use policies must shift to favour public transport, as urban development remains overly dependent on private vehicles, making behavioural change more difficult. He added that the authorities must provide information about the incentives that will motivate people to switch from private vehicles to public transport. 'Without radical and consistent measures, this target is more likely to remain an ambition rather than reality,' he said. During a briefing on Tuesday, mayor Maimunah Sharif said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) may offer incentives to increase population density around rail transit stations. The local plan calls for a transport network that allows people to travel from place to place with transit stations within walking distance of less than 400m. Most of the zoning plan focuses on aligning with Kuala Lumpur's rail system, particularly the MRT3 network. Wan Agyl Wan Hassan, founder of think tank My Mobility Vision, said poor planning and weak coordination will hinder the achievement of the 70% target. Wan Agyl Wan Hassan. 'We are still relying on a fragmented administrative structure, siloed planning and inconsistent operational funding. Public transport will never become the people's top choice if we continue this way,' he told FMT. He said the dissolution of the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD), which handled public transport planning and coordination until 2018, has seen multiple ministries and local authorities take over its role. 'Our system is fragmented. Planning, funding, and operations are managed by different agencies with no single body fully in charge,' said Wan Agyl, who was formerly head of policy and planning at SPAD. He said that despite new MRT lines and bus routes, public transport usage remains low – at around 25% in the Klang Valley – because of poor access, traffic congestion, and a lack of safe, walkable paths. Apart from urging the government to reclaim road space from private vehicles, Wan Agyl said public transport users need dedicated bus lanes, safe walking and cycling paths. He added that this can only happen if there is real political will. 'The question isn't if we can do it, it's whether we're willing,' he said.
New Straits Times
21 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
DBKL alone not enough to tackle sex trade in city, says official
KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) says coordinated action from all agencies is needed to fully eradicate prostitution around Jalan Petaling and Jalan Pekeliling. Despite multiple operations, syndicates involving foreign sex workers remain difficult to eliminate. DBKL Socioeconomic Development executive director Ismadi Sakirin said the city hall acts only within its jurisdiction, and other agencies must also play their part. "I won't comment further as this involves lengthy discussions, and it is not solely DBKL's responsibility," he said at the City Dialogue 2025 programme yesterday. The event is part of DBKL's ongoing engagement series to ensure the voices and aspirations of city residents are heard. Ismadi said the dialogue serves as a key platform to strengthen ties between DBKL, other agencies, and residents, particularly in Bukit Bintang. "It began in June and will continue until November, covering 11 areas including Bukit Bintang," he said. He added that the programme not only helps residents better understand DBKL's services but also gives them space to lodge complaints, share suggestions, and provide constructive feedback. "Today, we received 16 questions from community representatives in Bukit Bintang, and we aim to respond with the best possible actions to resolve issues affecting the local community," he said.
The Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Upcoming KL fest to champion green connectors, walkability
Maimunah (middle), flanked by Kagan on her right and Campuzano, hits the drum to launch KLPF 2025. With them are (from left) DBKL executive directors Nor Azlina, Ismadi, Mohamad and Landscape and Recreation Development Department director Puteri Khairul Fathiah Fahimudin. The second Kuala Lumpur Park Festivals 2025 (KLPF), aimed at raising awareness of maintaining green spaces, will advocate the vital role of green connectors in urban development. The festival, from Oct 17 to 26, underscores the city's commitment to enhancing sustainability and liveability by integrating its green assets. Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif said the event was part of wider efforts to promote a healthy city and introduce Kuala Lumpur City Hall's (DBKL) Green Connectors initiative. 'For example, Kuala Lumpur residents can walk from Taman Botani Perdana to Dataran Merdeka and to Bukit Bintang. 'Similarly, visitors can explore the surrounding attractions in Taman Tasik Titiwangsa like Istana Budaya and National Art Gallery. 'Ultimately, it is my vision for us to conserve and connect our green spaces through the KL Central Park Conservancy flagship project to improve walkability in the city,' she said during the KLPF 2025 launch at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa. Organised by DBKL, the week-long festival will be held at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa. Visitors to KLPF 2025 will get to see the 'Gendang dan Tari' show. Maimunah said several events would take place at The Exchange TRX to build momentum leading up to the festival. She added that, 'There will be pop-up gardens for visitors, and I encourage Kuala Lumpur residents to join.' DBKL is expecting 250,000 visitors for the Taman Tasik Titiwangsa event. The festival showcases three main segments – Mystical Titiwangsa, Genta Festival and Asean Halal Food Festival 2025. For Mystical Titiwangsa (an indoor exhibit), visitors will embark on a journey through curated themed gardens based on local folklore such as Puteri Gunung Ledang, Hang Tuah and Si Tanggang. Guests can find music and dance at Genta Festival, short for 'Gendang dan Tari' (drum and dance), while the Asean Halal Food Festival 2025 will feature delicacies from all 10 Asean countries. Also present at the launch were US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan, Mexican Ambassador Luis Javier Campuzano, Turkmenistan Ambassador Muhammetryyaz Mashalov, Kingdom of Bahrain Ambassador Dr Waleed Khalifa Al Manea as well as DBKL executive directors Ismadi Sakirin (Socio-economic Development), Mohamad Hamim (Project Management) and Nor Azlina Mohd Saad (Management). Separately, DBKL urged private companies, government- linked companies (GLCs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to contribute financially through the Endowment Fund for the upcoming KLPF 2025. This fund will provide ongoing support for various social, educational and community initiatives, including establishing Taman Botani Perdana as a research and botanical institution.
The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
QuickCheck: Has DBKL appointed agents to sell hawker licence application forms?
WHEN it comes to official matters, the process of obtaining a licence can seem daunting. In these situations, one often finds people who will step in to exploit the confusion of others to make easy money. Recently, claims emerged that KL City Hall (DBKL) was selling hawker licence application forms through agents. Is this true? VERDICT: FALSE "I noticed that there are people who call themselves 'agents' of DBKL, attempting to sell application forms to hawkers. DBKL did not appoint anyone and the application forms are free of charge. Hawkers who are approached by these 'agents' should lodge a police report," said Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif She added while speaking at the "Apa Cerita Datuk Bandar" podcast by DBKL on Thursday (June 26) that she was making the clarification to prevent hawkers from being misled by false claims and ensures the integrity of the application process. Maimunah then said that all applications must be submitted directly to DBKL.
