Khalid: Brace for challenges brought on by ageing society

KUALA Lumpur should brace itself for an ageing population and climate change.

Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad said proper city planning, development and management was critical as 77% of the country’s population lived in cities.

“A large population in our cities will mean urbanisation challenges such as solid waste disposal, traffic congestion, air pollution, limited water resources, inadequate supply of housing and an increase in ageing population.

“Malaysia will become an ageing society by 2040 in which almost 20% will be 65 years old and above, bringing about new challenges in health services and suitable physical city environments,” he said.

“The issue of an ageing society has never emerged before in our national plans. So, now we have to include actions, planning and design to meet with the needs of this part of our community.

“In 2020, Kuala Lumpur will have 2.2 million people, with slightly more than half a million households.

“The city will have 25% young population, which will mean an increasing need for new affordable housing, employment and job creation, as well as everyday needs such as recreational spaces and transportation.

“City planning and management is not just about meeting the needs of the current population, but also the needs of its future citizens,” he said at the World Class Sustainable Cities 2018 international conference at Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur.

Khalid also said the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2020 which was being reviewed would have to include latest concepts, policies and strategies that have evolved, and were being adopted at national and global levels.

“The KL Structure Plan 2020 was formulated at a time when there were only Millennium Development Goals.

“Then, policies such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) or the New Urban Agenda (NUA) were not formulated.

“My immediate concern is to ensure the Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020, which was prepared incorporating the SDGs and NUA, is gazetted by the end of the year,” said Khalid.

He urged people to adopt green strategies and actions to mitigate the impact of climate change.

“People living in cities will be greatly affected. From food and water shortages, to urban flooding, rising temperatures – all are being felt slowly but surely.

“Green development will ensure comfortable and healthy cities, and will also assist in the more efficient and sustainable use of energy,” he said.

Khalid said people should also strive for our their development mould encompassing each’s rich culture and heritage.

“A liveable city is one with comprehensive basic facilities, infrastructure and good public transportation, neighbourhoods that are safe and comfortable with a clean environment.

“We must always remember that we are Malaysians first, and that we have to encompass our citizens’ needs above all else to ensure a holistic quality of life,” he said.