KUALA LUMPUR: The RM400mil allocation for Kuala Lumpur’s amenities and public housing is a step in the right direction, but civil society groups say stronger enforcement and accountability are crucial to ensure the facilities benefit the public.
They also stressed that proper upkeep, public safety and timely project delivery must remain priorities.
In Budget 2027, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will allocate RM400mil to develop green spaces and covered walkways, rehabilitate parks as well as upgrade amenities and public housing projects.
A 50.5ha parcel of leasehold land in Bukit Kiara will also be gazetted as a federal park for public use.
Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Lee Lam Thye said the allocation was long overdue, given the shortage of recreational spaces in the city.
“Many KL folk look forward to having more parks for recreation, morning walks and exercise,” he said, adding that regular maintenance and proper supervision were equally important to keep the facilities in good condition.
Save Kuala Lumpur chairman Datuk M. Ali urged the authorities to set clear project timelines to ensure timely completion and accountability.
On plans to upgrade public housing areas, community activist Yee Poh Ping said stronger enforcement is needed to address unauthorised stalls and hawker activities that obstructed public spaces and affected the surrounding environment.
“Efforts should be made to relocate them to more suitable locations to ensure public safety and hygiene,” he added.
Kuala Lumpur Residents Action for Sustainable Development honorary secretary Joshua Low called for sustained funding to protect, maintain and enhance the city’s green spaces.
He also urged the Federal Government to prioritise flood resilience, river management and water catchment protection.
“Funding should support Kuala Lumpur’s transition from reactive responses to long-term resilience,” he said.
The Budget also states that DBKL will build 22km of covered pedestrian walkways linking national landmarks and public housing projects to commercial centres, schools, clinics and public transport stations.
Brickfields Rukun Tetangga chairman SKK Naidu said the walkways must be kept clear of obstructions.
He also called for greater efforts to address the presence of foreign beggars and homeless people in these areas.
