KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur’s future must be shaped not only by infrastructure development, but also by sustainability, safety and vibrant public spaces to ensure the capital remains competitive and liveable, says Hannah Yeoh.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) said the government is working to make Kuala Lumpur more resilient against rapid urbanisation and climate-related challenges.
“We want to make sure Kuala Lumpur becomes a sponge city,” she said, referring to efforts to improve the city’s ability to absorb heavy rainfall and reduce flash floods.
Speaking at the launch of Chinese-language radio station 988 FM’s 30th anniversary celebration and the Sound Festival at The Starhill here, Yeoh said more retention and on-site detention ponds are being developed across the capital, including a new project at Padang Merbok, to better manage stormwater during heavy rain.
Public safety, she added, is another major focus, with nearly 10,000 smart CCTV cameras now installed throughout Kuala Lumpur.
“We are using them to monitor traffic and also helping police solve crimes in Kuala Lumpur,” she said.
Yeoh said the surveillance system has also enabled faster emergency response, including in cases involving missing children.
Beyond physical infrastructure, she stressed that successful cities also need festivals, events and cultural activities to create a vibrant urban environment.
“A city must have programmes; a city must have events,” she said, urging companies and corporate sponsors to collaborate with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) in organising more public events.
Such partnerships, she said, are crucial in positioning Kuala Lumpur as a leading regional destination during Visit Malaysia 2026.
Yeoh also highlighted the role of media organisations such as 988 in delivering trusted information and maintaining engagement across different age groups.
She noted that while younger audiences are increasingly drawn to short-form digital content, older listeners still rely heavily on radio for reliable updates and companionship.
“Those in their 40s will look to you for information and reliable news, while senior citizens will look to you for companionship,” she said.
Yeoh added that one of today’s biggest challenges is communicating meaningful information in an era dominated by shrinking attention spans and one-minute videos.
“This is where we look to radio stations, the creative industry and influencers to help us get the message across,” she said.
Meanwhile, Star Media Group Bhd group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt said traditional media remains relevant despite rapid changes in technology and audience behaviour.
“Some say traditional media is a sunset industry. I believe it is simply evolving,” he said, adding that while media platforms and consumption habits have changed over the decades, the core responsibility of serving audiences with credibility and professionalism remains unchanged.
“In media, trust is everything. It is not a slogan; it is something we must earn every day through responsibility, professionalism and care.”
He added that 988 would continue adapting to changing trends while maintaining its close connection with listeners and the community.
