Make DBKL's RM400mil allocation count for city folk

KUALA LUMPUR: The RM400 million allocation to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) under the 2027 Budget must be strategically targeted to ensure that green spaces and public amenities improve the well-being and quality of life of city residents.

Universiti Malaya (UM) Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Built Environment lecturer Prof Dr Melasutra Md Dali said the allocation could help make the federal capital more sustainable, inclusive and liveable.

She said plans to create 48 hectares of new green spaces, preserve existing parks and upgrade public amenities and public housing reflected the need to prioritise residents' quality of life alongside economic growth and physical development.

"The more critical question is not simply the size of the allocation announced, but how effectively, fairly and inclusively the investment benefits Kuala Lumpur residents and improves their daily lives," she told Bernama.

Melasutra said project implementation must take into account challenges such as high-density development, the cost of living, traffic congestion, flash flood risks, rising urban temperatures and unequal access to public amenities.

She added that gazetting open spaces must be accompanied by guarantees of equitable access, particularly for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PwD).

Green spaces should also serve as recreational areas, support biodiversity conservation and function as urban climate infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying senior lecturer Dr Gobi Krishna Sinniah said the construction of 22 kilometres (km) of covered walkways in the capital could encourage active mobility and reduce reliance on private vehicles.

He said the facilities could also support tourism and boost economic activity among small traders and businesses along the routes.

"The allocation for developing these 22 km of covered walkways also supports Kuala Lumpur's aspiration to diversify its transport options," he said.

Gobi Krishna said connected and comfortable pedestrian walkways, such as those found in several European countries, China and Singapore, could encourage people to walk as part of their daily journeys.

He also welcomed plans to create new green spaces and preserve existing parks, saying these could encourage physical activity among city residents while balancing development pressures with environmental conservation.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the RM400 million allocation for DBKL when tabling the 2027 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat last Friday.

The allocation will fund the creation of 48 hectares of new green spaces and 22 km of covered walkways linking key landmarks, including the National Mosque, Dataran Merdeka and Central Market. — BERNAMA