KUALA LUMPUR, June 24: The Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (KLLP2040), launched today, marks the beginning of a sweeping overhaul in the capital city’s development strategy, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced.
Describing KLLP2040 as the most comprehensive plan in the history of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Anwar emphasised that it goes beyond mere physical restructuring as it represents a philosophical and strategic shift aimed at transforming Kuala Lumpur into a more humane, inclusive, and equitable city for all communities.
He said that the KLLP2040 also integrates new thinking and cutting-edge technologies, including digital innovation and artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in the development of public housing.
“We are not building a new city like Putrajaya, no. We are working within the constraints of existing, immovable structures, which makes the task more challenging.
“So let’s not assume that the launch of this plan means reinventing a brand-new image for Kuala Lumpur. We are operating within an old framework that may not fully meet our aspirations or needs,” Anwar said during the launch ceremony here, today.
Detailing about the development, he said it goes beyond construction, requiring repair works on pre-existing buildings, rectifying chaotic planning systems, ad-hoc housing approvals and lax governance practices.
The plan according to him had faced several impactful delays, mostly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“However under the MADANI government, the plan was reviewed and recalibrated comprehensively to ensure the city is developed inclusively and sustainably,” he added.
The launch of the local plan had taken some time because it involved engaging various stakeholders, including local communities and business operators, to ensure all voices were heard.
Crucially, Anwar highlighted that future urban development must prioritise the needs of the B40 and M40 groups who have been receiving only the “leftovers” of progress, while the benefits of development are concentrated around the elite and wealthy.
He admitted that there has been resistance from elite groups over the redesigned public housing projects, but firmly stated that the government will not compromise on its principles and will continue to champion those who have long been marginalised.
“Too often, urban development treats the needs of ordinary people as an afterthought, an isolated idea. Facilities are concentrated in areas serving those already living in comfort. Not wrong, but imbalanced.
“I always say that development must be humane, meaning that it must take into account the needs of hawker stalls, warungs and small restaurants enjoyed and frequented by the majority of 80 per cent of the population,” he said.
As such, Anwar stressed that urban growth must encompass a sustainable ecosystem that integrates education, healthcare, childcare centres, and public transportation.
He cited the example of vertical schools — compact, multi-storey educational institutions built with a strong focus on safety, efficient design, and proximity to public transport and essential services.
PTKL2040, he said, translates this long-term vision into action, reinforcing Kuala Lumpur’s planning framework in line with the broader sustainability agenda and the guiding principle of “A City for All.”
The plan will serve as a key reference for DBKL in assessing development proposals, executing approval processes, and charting the city’s future growth strategies.
The launch of the KLLP2040 at the DBKL Training Institute in Bandar Tun Razak was attended by the Prime Minister’s wife who is also Member of Parliament for Bandar Tun Razak Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif were in attendance. – TVS
