Worried about tepid response to KL plan

THE draft Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (KLCP2040) is available for public review at various locations across the city.

However, the poor turnout at the briefing session with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) planners at its headquarters in Jalan Raja Laut was worrying, said Save Kuala Lumpur (SKL) coalition chairman Datuk M. Ali.

He said it was important for residents to know and understand the proposed developments taking place within their neighbourhoods.

“If you wake up one morning to find a pub in front of your house, don’t blame anyone,’’ said Ali when asked about city folk’s participation at crucial briefing sessions where the turnout was lower than expected.

Taman Tun Dr Ismail Residents Association chairman Abdul Hafiz Abu Bakar echoed similar sentiments.

He said for a session with a capacity for 100 people, only 32 registered and fewer than 20 attended – many of whom were professionals from the construction and real estate industry.

“DBKL officers informed us of the poor turnout at roadshows held at shopping centres with only three people showing up in some venues,” he said.

Response has been lacklustre despite efforts to engage community members through the National Unity Ministry for Rukun Tetangga members to attend.

Hafiz said he planned to set up a committee for TTDI residents to gather suggestions and feedback on KLCP2040.

“They must register now and attend the briefings.

“Take interest in what is happening in your backyard and do something about it,’’ said Hafiz, who urged residents to make their voices heard.

“For instance, parts of Taman Lembah Kiara show that the area is mixed commercial.

“So, if you don’t want this, put in your suggestions.”

One visitor, representing a developer with land in Cheras, was seeking clarification on whether the property’s status had been changed from residential to commercial.

Despite initial information from DBKL indicating a change to commercial status, further verification from an officer revealed the land was still for residential use.

“I wanted a better understanding on the land use and zoning specifics,’’ said the individual who declined to be named.

A realtor based in Damansara, who only wanted to be identified as Loke, wanted to gather details on land use, density and plot ratio within Segambut and Kepong areas, as the information would be useful for clients contemplating property purchases in these areas.

Lila Ruzaini, 53, was keen to learn more about developments around her Jalan Kelang Lama neighbourhood, highlighting the community’s need for accessible and detailed planning information.

Based on feedback from DBKL officers manning exhibition sites in Kuala Lumpur, those visiting the booths were mostly developers’ agents wanting to know about land status.

Kuala Lumpur stakeholders have until March 1 to view and give their feedback on the plan.

The plan can be viewed at Menara DBKL 1 at Jalan Raja Laut and Menara DBKL 3 at Jalan Raja Abdullah.

A roadshow would also take place at 11 parliamentary constituencies.

The government is hoping to gazette the plan by the first quarter of 2025.

The plan is also available online for viewing and feedback at https://ppkl.dbkl.gov.my.

The local plan outlines the proposed developments for specific sites in the city and is one of two components of Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2040 together with Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040 (KLSP2040).