Malaysia’s capital remains popular with residents and tourists alike, but rapid development is raising concerns about overcrowding and planning accountability.
Kuala Lumpur is much admired nationally and globally. It’s a highly desired city for living and a magnet for tourism. Despite protests on several issues, KL remains an affordable place to live compared with many other cities around the globe.
Residents of this thriving metropolis are growing in number. Many flock to settle in the nation’s capital, drawn by a fairly well-managed city administration and the many attractions of the city. The conducive social and business environment is commendable.
KL’s come a long way since its humble beginnings from over a century ago. Back then, it was built at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers, embedded with mud and slime.
Today, visitors see high-rise buildings and palatial residences, alongside a range of shopping complexes that adorn this city.
- Sign up for Aliran's free daily email updates or weekly newsletters or both
- Make a one-off donation to Persatuan Aliran Kesedaran Negara (ALIRAN), Maybank a/c 507246118995 or CIMB a/c 8004240948
- Make a pledge or schedule an auto donation to Aliran every month or every quarter
- Become an Aliran member
KL may have many attractions and marvels, but several areas need focus and attention.
Transport and infrastructure
The rapidly growing population has not brought the city to a standstill, despite occasional glitches. The new motorways and public transport – both rail and bus routes criss-cross the city – provide a fairly smooth daily ride for commuters.
The federal administrative centre has moved to Putrajaya. This has given KL breathing space and allows for more focus on its business-focused roles and its many charms that attract crowds of tourists to the capital city.
Governance and accountability
While many praise the efficient management in place, others complain there’s not enough public accountability in planning and day-to-day administration.
The city’s mayor and city hall staff nevertheless provide good leadership and some of the services are commendable. They responded promptly to several complaints personally submitted.
A drive through the city or a ride on modern city rail services shows a city that compares to the best.
Despite not having elected officials, KL residents don’t want to see unnecessary bureaucracy and a lack of of accountability. Signs of these practices are sometimes quite obvious.
An occasional public review will help address negative aspects and correct course speedily, whilst simultaneously ensuring an administration that serves with efficiency and integrity.
Development concerns
Several other issues arise. The excessive development of high-rises in close proximity creates a dense and overcrowded atmosphere – a serious concern.
In the heart of the city, for example, a huge eight-block condominium’s being built. This will cause overcrowding in an already densely populated zone. Several other major development projects – some taking over the nation’s scenic parks and nation conservation sites – are also worrying.
City administrators should ensure that KL grows in the right direction. They should provide safeguards to ensure it’s carefully administered, allowing people to live harmoniously while enjoying the many aspects of city life.
Planning solutions
Local councils, including KL City Hall, should adhere to planning limits. They should fix the limit of population, houses and shops in urban plans and stick to it. They should stop arbitrary additions.
The worst practice is approving the construction of high-rise offices and condominium blocks in long-settled communities, causing damage and harm to the environment. The many new high-rises, cars and roads destroy the quality of life. This must be stopped immediately.
High-rise offices and homes should only be built in approved areas if developers pay for a train or rail connection.
Car parking space should be limited by law, and the money invested in high-quality public transport. In Singapore and Tokyo, both world class cities, this is the practice.
Community engagement
KL City Hall should actively and regularly engage ratepayers. Officers must hear and see their complaints in person.
There should be one field officer in charge of each area. These officers should share their WhatsApp connections with ratepayers, who can send in complaints for personally inspection and immediate action.
The officers should be making rounds all day, meeting residents and acting on feedback, including redirecting complaints to other agencies.
Residents in some parts of KL like Bangsar Park are disappointed and upset by high-rise projects near their homes.
Many who have lived in the area for decades are now witnessing damage to the entire landscape of their residential area. Once these flats are fully occupied, at least a few thousand more vehicles will use the already congested roads nearby – a driver’s nightmare.
Traditional leafy neighbourhoods with mature trees, playing fields and neighbourhood shops are now disappearing. Walkways for older adults and other pedestrians have been destroyed by heavy vehicles, and motorbikes using these areas for parking.
Traffic in residential areas is often worse than in city centres.
Development should not come at the expense of quality of life. Residential areas should be left alone for communities to live in peace. A healthy community contributes to a healthy nation.
The Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 will serve as a crucial legal framework to regulate development planning in the capital.
The plan contains written statements detailing objectives and proposals for development, land use, socioeconomic planning and traffic management in the capital.
It aims to provide a structured a unified guideline to manage growth while balancing the city’s economic, social and environmental needs over the next two decades.
The plan supports the broader vision outlined in the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040. This structure plan positions KL as a “City for All”, focusing on sustainable urban development, efficient land use, vibrant economic hubs, inclusive of public spaces and enhanced liveability for all residents.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
