Residents spending time as a family at one of KL’s parks. — Filepic
AS WE celebrate the 51st anniversary of Federal Territories Day, it is time to reflect on how far Kuala Lumpur has come and what needs to be done to make it a truly inclusive, sustainable and liveable place for all.
Kuala Lumpur must not only be a hub of economic growth and development but also a city that prioritises the well-being of its people, the environment and future generations.
Inclusivity: A city for everyone
A truly inclusive Kuala Lumpur is one where every resident regardless of age, background or ability has equal access to opportunities and services.
We must:
• Ensure affordable housing and better urban planning to prevent socio-economic segregation.
• Improve accessibility for persons with disabilities in public spaces and transportation.
• Promote multicultural harmony by fostering social cohesion through community-driven initiatives and policies that reflect Kuala Lumpur’s diversity.
• Strengthen the role of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) in decision-making processes, ensuring that residents’ voices are heard and considered in city planning.
Sustainability: Protecting our city for the future
Sustainability must be at the heart of the city’s development to ensure a cleaner, greener and more resilient city.
This includes:
• Expanding and maintaining green spaces such as parks and urban forests to improve air quality and provide recreational areas for residents.
• Enhancing public transport to reduce congestion and carbon emissions, including better first-mile and last-mile connectivity.
• Implementing stronger policies to reduce waste, encourage recycling and transition towards a circular economy.
• Strengthening climate resilience by addressing flash floods, preserving flood retention ponds, improving drainage systems and promoting eco-friendly urban designs.
Liveability: Enhancing quality of life
To make Kuala Lumpur a more liveable city, we must focus on improving daily life for its residents by:
• Reducing traffic congestion through better public transport and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
• Strengthening safety and security through better street lighting, crime prevention programmes and community policing initiatives.
• Promoting a vibrant cultural and creative economy, supporting local businesses, heritage conservation and public arts initiatives.
• Investing in safety, health and wellness by ensuring better public healthcare facilities, mental health support and promoting an active lifestyle.
As Kuala Lumpur moves forward, let us work together to build a city that embodies inclusivity, sustainability and liveability.
Our vision for the city must be bold, forward-thinking and centred on the needs of the people.
Let us strive for a city that is not only world-class but also people-centric, green and thriving for generations to come.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Chairman, Alliance for a Safe Community
