Maimunah (left) and Azmar exchanging documents after the MOU signing to restore lake water quality at Kepong Metropolitan Park.
ONE of Kuala Lumpur’s largest public lakes will undergo a systematic restoration programme to improve water quality, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between a property developer and the local authority.
The agreement between Mega Legacy (M) Sdn Bhd, UEM Sunrise Bhd’s collaborative company, and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) was signed in mid-November by Mega Legacy chairman Datuk Azmar Talib and the then Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif.
Under the MOU, both parties will implement phase two of a lake rehabilitation plan to restore ecological balance, introduce water treatment systems and develop a long-term maintenance strategy for Kepong Metropolitan Park in Kepong.
The programme will also include improvements to lakeside facilities to support safe recreation such as kayaking, dragon boating, jogging, cycling and family-friendly community activities.
As part of its dedication to fostering environmental efforts and in support of the lake rehabilitation plan, Yayasan UEM, the philanthropic arm of UEM Group Bhd, has agreed to provide a grant to co-finance the phase two restoration works.
The rehabilitation is backed by scientific assessment. A preliminary water quality study by Universiti Malaya in 2023, followed by a phase one assessment in 2024, analysed the lake’s sediment, nutrient composition and biodiversity to identify technical solutions for the next phase of restoration.
The 89ha Kepong Metropolitan Park, which has a 43ha lake, is one of Kuala Lumpur’s largest urban parks.
Located next to UEM Sunrise’s 30ha Kiara Bay township, the restoration supports DBKL’s mission to enhance green spaces, protect natural assets and strengthen environmental resilience across the city.
Maimunah said the partnership reflected DBKL’s continuous effort to create a city that is both sustainable and inclusive through the 4P principle of public, private, people and partnership.
“A great city is not only liveable but lovable. Through collaboration from different sectors, we are restoring a valuable public asset and shaping a shared space where identity, heritage and community pride can flourish.
“Kepong Metropolitan Park has the potential to become a vibrant public realm that celebrates nature, recreation and togetherness.
“Such initiatives strengthen the bond between the government, private sector and the community, bringing us closer to a city that is healthier, more inclusive and future-ready,” said Maimunah, who is now PETRONAS property adviser.
Azmar said the initiative reinforced UEM Sunrise’s commitment to building sustainable townships that balance growth with ecological preservation.
“This lake has always been central to Kiara Bay’s masterplan.
“Our responsibility is to enhance it as a clean, safe and accessible public asset for everyone,” said Azmar, who is also UEM Sunrise independent non-executive director.
“This collaboration represents our shared commitment to responsible development and community well-being, ensuring that the lake remains a vibrant, sustainable environment for generations to come.”
He added that the programme aligned with UEM Sunrise’s sustainability framework, which focuses on four key pillars: planet, people, communities and governance, to create lasting positive impact across its developments.
Beyond physical restoration, the partners will explore long-term monitoring, community education and activation programmes, as well as opportunities for academic and environmental partnerships.
