KUALA LUMPUR: City Hall is embarking on an initiative to transform KL into one of the world's top 10 most connected cities within the next three years.
Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the initiative has three focus areas which he was confident would meet its goals of creating a connected city.
The focus areas are namely improving broadband connectivity, web-based applications and e-services as well as public information technology facilities and resources.
Tengku Adnan said realising the goal was not just limited to boosting internet speed but promoting tourism and the local economy through various channels.
He said the authorities are also committed to ensuring that all KL-ites from all walks of life would benefit from the progress in technology which the authority spearheaded.
"Besides the higher-end consumers which would be the main focus of the industry, City Hall will pay particular importance towards providing Information Communications Technology (ICT) services for the needs of the tourists, urban poor and government segments."
“General programmes taken in the three main focus areas will place priority to these segments,” said Tengku Adnan.
He said the authorities would be playing a more proactive role in terms of governance and compliance to ensure all parties comply with legislation and regulations via the initiative.
"A tighter enforcement as such will result in easier implementation of macro level initiatives that will benefit the entire industry in the long run," said Tengku Adnan.
City Hall is looking to upgrade and standardise various ICT infrastructure within KL, for visitors especially, while taking pains not to compromise on its charms.
This focus, Tengku Adnan said, would involve existing and proposed structures in order to ensure a standardised specification for all city structures.
He also said that the authorities would be looking into ensuring all structures are deployed in a manner which does not result in any health or safety implications towards the general public.
“City Hall will start reaching out to the relevant government department and agencies to begin collaboration efforts in order to garner the required support and expertise to make this initiative a reality.”
"It will also start working with the leading authorities globally in order to obtain an international perspective,” he said adding that the authorities were confident that its goals would be realised.