Kuala Lumpur residents discussing the draft plan and how it affects their neighbourhoods.
AN additional two-week extension has been given to Kuala Lumpur residents to submit their objections and feedback on the draft Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (KLLP2040).
They now have until April 15 to submit their views about the draft plan to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). DBKL had earlier set April 1 as the deadline.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa acknowledged calls for more time from residents to review the draft and had agreed to the extension.
“I am aware of their request, and honestly, I am pleased residents are studying the plan and providing feedback, which is what we want.
“The people’s feedback is crucial to us, and we appreciate and welcome it,” she told StarMetro.
This was second extension following public request.
Residents were initially given two months, until March 1, to provide feedback after the draft was made public on Jan 31.
The review period was then extended to April 1, after a request for more time.
Several stakeholders, however, are calling for further extension, citing the unpreparedness of many residents.
“We are grateful for the two-week extension, but we require more time, at least until June 1,” said Save Kuala Lumpur chairman (SKL) Datuk M. Ali.
He pointed out that the review period coincided with Chinese New Year, annual school holidays and preceded Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
“Considering Malaysians prioritised social and family activities and with a significant number of people traveling during these periods, it is crucial to allow for an extended duration for public participation,” said Ali.
He said SKL had even voluntered their services free of charge to teach the public how to study the plan and check proposed developments in their respective areas, but DBKL was not receptive to the idea.
“Our request was for the free use of some of the DBKL community halls, but the authorities were not responsive,” said Ali.
Resident K. Kanna, who has recently returned from a pilgrimage to India, expressed concern about discrepancies in land zoning in Brickfields.
He is among those who wanted more time to study the plan.
“It is a complicated document even for experts and educated people, what more for those who are not familiar with the plan.
“They have no idea how to go about it and we hope that we get more time,” said Kanna.
The draft plan is available for viewing at Menara DBKL 1 on Jalan Raja Laut and Menara DBKL 3 on Jalan Raja Abdullah.
The government aims to gazette the plan by the first quarter of 2025.
It can also be viewed online and feedback can be provided at ppkl.dbkl.gov.my
