‘SAFE, LIVEABLE CITY’ - THE CORE ASPIRATION OF KLLP2040

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- Inclusive and affordable housing, sustainable businesses, crime prevention, green mobility, environmental stewardship, quality public spaces, and urban resilience are among the key strategies outlined in the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (KLLP2040), under the ‘Safe, Liveable City’ aspiration.

With the vision of transforming the capital into an inclusive, community-oriented, and sustainable metropolis, KLLP2040 serves as a comprehensive framework to guide and manage urban growth in line with the principle of a ‘City for All.’

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) emphasised that urban safety extends beyond law enforcement, requiring a holistic approach that integrates thoughtful urban design and planning. This includes reducing crime risks, mitigating environmental hazards, and fostering a strong sense of security among residents and visitors alike.

In support of this, KLLP2040 adopts the crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) concept, which promotes safety through the design of well-planned, accessible, and people-friendly urban spaces.

Among the key measures proposed are adequate public lighting, the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, the provision of emergency panic buttons, and the separation of pedestrian and cycling paths from motorised traffic, all aimed at ensuring a safer and more comfortable urban environment.

KLLP2040 also emphasises that these safety and sustainability elements will receive primary focus in transit-oriented development (TOD) zones, commercial and business districts, urban tourism centres, green corridors, recreational parks, and regenerated public housing projects.

The plan further outlines a comprehensive housing strategy designed to meet the diverse demographic and income needs of Kuala Lumpur’s future residents.

Among the initiatives proposed are the provision of transit housing for youth and small families, safe and senior-friendly housing, and conducive living environments for the working community.

“Priority is also given to affordable housing for the B40 group and a portion of the M40 group, with a target of 40 per cent - or 305,000 housing units - by 2040, in line with the goal of ensuring a more inclusive, liveable, and safe city,” according to KLLP2040.

This initiative also seeks to address shifting demographic trends, as the proportion of senior citizens in Kuala Lumpur is expected to increase to 17.3 per cent by 2040, compared to 6.6 per cent in 2020, while youths are projected to make up nearly one-third of the city’s total population.

KLLP2040’s aspirations are also reflected in the provision of public spaces that promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage the use of active mobility.

The plan sets a target of 20 square metres of open space per resident by 2040, to be achieved through the gazettement, maintenance, monitoring, and activation of both existing and new open spaces. This will be implemented via the zoning of green and recreational areas within development schemes across the city.

In line with efforts to enhance connectivity, six major park network corridors spanning a total of 254.4 kilometres have been identified under KLLP2040. These corridors aim to link green and recreational areas through safe, comfortable, age-friendly, and disability-friendly pedestrian, cycling, and micromobility routes.

On the sustainability front, KLLP2040 sets an ambitious target of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity by 85 per cent by 2040.

Among the key strategies proposed is the development of floating solar farms in six major ponds and lakes across the capital, namely the Sri Utara retention pond, Intan Baiduri retention pond, Kampung Bohol retention pond, Kepong Metropolitan Park, Ampang Hilir Lake, and Bandar Sri Permaisuri lake - which will be supported by comprehensive technical studies to ensure feasibility and effectiveness.

KLLP2040 also proposes the construction of riverfront water reservoirs (TAPS) at four strategic locations -Sungai Jinjang and Sungai Batu, Sungai Kerayong, Sungai Gombak, and Sungai Kuyoh - as part of efforts to address potential water supply disruptions in the event of raw water contamination.

The initiative will be supported by comprehensive technical studies to ensure its effective and seamless implementation.

To strengthen the urban transport system, KLLP2040 targets 70 per cent public transport use by 2040.

This effort is further supported by strengthening first- and last-mile connectivity, the development of continuous and safe pedestrian and micromobility routes, as well as the introduction of a bicycle-sharing system at 10 strategic locations, including Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), Bandar Malaysia, KLCC, and KL Sentral.

KLLP2040 also outlines measures to enhance the management of Special Area Management Zones (ZPKK) by preserving forested areas to mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce city temperatures, and protect biodiversity.

The ZPKK areas are classified into three levels of control - Level One (high), Level Two (medium), and Level Three (low) - based on the environmental sensitivity of each zone

The overall strategy and approach is expected to support the safe city concept by reducing the risk of disasters such as landslides and heat waves, in addition to creating a healthier, more comfortable and safer environment to live in.

-- BERNAMA