KL’s development must be “liveable for all generations,” says FT minister, urging balanced and inclusive urban planning.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 — Physical development in Kuala Lumpur must be aligned with social needs to ensure the city remains liveable and inclusive for future generations, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

She stressed that alongside urban expansion, the city’s infrastructure — including education, basic amenities, and community support systems — must grow in tandem.

“Development in Kuala Lumpur will undoubtedly continue at a rapid pace, but approval processes must take into account the readiness of essential infrastructure such as schools, clinics, road systems, public transport, and green spaces, right from the planning stage,” she said in a Facebook post yesterday.

Dr Zaliha added that a fragmented, siloed approach between developers and local authorities must give way to integrated planning that considers the broader impact on communities.

Her remarks followed the Federal Territories Ministerial Council Meeting, which she chaired. The meeting serves as a platform for engagement between Kuala Lumpur MPs and agencies such as the Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur Education Department (JPWPKL) and PLANMalaysia, to coordinate development policies for the capital.

“Unlike other states with executive councillors and state assembly representatives, the federal territories require a more agile approach in aligning policies between the federal government and MPs,” she said.

She also noted that MPs should adopt a data-driven and forward-thinking role in development matters, weighing environmental readiness and long-term impact instead of making decisions based on public sentiment or populist demands.

Separately, Dr Zaliha received a courtesy call from Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing to enhance strategic cooperation in boosting tourism across the federal territories.

The ministers discussed ways to position Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan as Malaysia’s leading tourism destinations, highlighting their unique attractions.

She also extended an invitation to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) to support and promote the upcoming Borneo Flora Festival in Labuan, which aims to draw over 50,000 visitors.

Additionally, she urged Putrajaya Corporation and Tourism Malaysia to develop more innovative and creative tourism products in Putrajaya to lengthen visitor stays and offer unique experiences to encourage repeat tourism. — Bernama