A FEDERAL minister is calling on private sectors and professional associations to work alongside authorities to improve public facilities in Kuala Lumpur.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the government needs the cooperation and support from stakeholders to carry out development plans effectively.
“Usually, when a politician takes on a new role or portfolio, they will have between three and five years to execute their vision.
“However, I may not have as much time due to the newness of my taking office. This is why I am inviting professionals to work with me to turn Kuala Lumpur around,” she said.
Yeoh said this in her speech at the launch of Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival 2026 in Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur, on Saturday (Jan 17), organised by Malaysia Architect Association (PAM).
Also present were PAM president Adjunct Prof Adrianta Aziz and Lim Gim Huang, who is KLAF director.
Elaborating, Yeoh said she welcomes input on how to improve public housing and public facilities such as parks and toilets in the capital.
She also said the authorities would look into working with PAM to spruce up public toilets especially for women.
A former youth and sports minister, Yeoh said architects must make efforts to inspire younger generations to see architecture as a viable career option.
“Many young people today are more interested in becoming social media influencers, thinking it can generate lots of income.
“This is a challenge for architects, to speak to and relate with the younger generation and reflect their vision for the future,” she said.
Yeoh also reflected on her time in her previous portfolio, expressing pride in the achievement of Malaysia’s contingent at the 33rd SEA Games in Bangkok, Thailand.
“Shortly after I took over the youth and sports portfolio, many expressed disappointment at our performance at the SEA Games in Cambodia, where we had our worst showing.
“But we turned this around in Bangkok, when we achieved the best result outside of Malaysia,” she added.
