KUALA LUMPUR: The first female mayor in Kuala Lumpur says she has a comprehensive plan to enhance the city's sustainability, inclusivity and livability via 15 flagship programmes launched recently.
Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif, who celebrated her 100th day in office on Nov 22, said the programmes would focus on plan-led development, green and sustainable urban growth, community inclusivity, good governance and effective communication.
"A blueprint with 15 flagship programmes has been developed for implementation over two years, with a few already up and running, setting clear goals for the city's future.
"Some of the programmes have been rolled out; for instance the Asean meeting preparations, flood mitigation project, Madani housing and council homes programme, and using renewable energy such as solar panels at nine of buildings to generate electricity.
"A total of RM 8.5 million has been set aside to provide for all the Asean delegates, as well as for upgrading and city beautification purposes.
"Moreover, after Asean, the following year is also a crucial year as 2026 is a Visit Malaysia year," she said.
Speaking to reporters at the DBKL 2025 Budget announcement today, Maimunah said apart from two-year programmes, in her first 100 days, she has visited eight parliamentary constituencies to address pressing issues like flash floods, road maintenance and public safety.
"I have also collaborated with 11 members of parliament in Kuala Lumpur and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Advisory Board to find focused solutions to local problems.
"Among the highlights are enhancing public safety via installation of 5,000 AI-integrated CCTV systems all over the city and via partnerships with the Kuala Lumpur police, which has successfully led to a 10 per cent reduction in crime rates in these 100 days," she said.
Maimunah is also responsible for the Kuala Lumpur Creative and Cultural District (KLCCD) initiative and the Kuala Lumpur Central Park Project that have prioritised heritage conservation, green spaces and creative industries.
"Efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 include planting one million trees, green walkways and expanding renewable energy usage.
"Positioning Kuala Lumpur as a global investment destination, DBKL transitioned 80 per cent of its services online, achieving significant cost reductions and streamlining administrative processes," she said.
She said the city has also strengthened ties with foreign cities in Osaka, Ankara, Casablanca, Chennai, Esfahan, Saitama and Itabashi, Tokyo Metropolitan, and Hangzhou Municipal government hosting forums and participating in events such as the World Urban Forum and the
2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29).
Maimunah has received numerous accolades, including the Most Sustainable City Award 2024 and several gold awards for urban initiatives like the Sungai Bunus Urban Farm.
The city's efforts in recycling and sustainable energy also earned international recognition at the SDG City Awards.
Meanwhile on the 2025 Budget announcement, Maimunah said DBKL has allocated RM2.835 billion or 6.57 per cent more.
"Of the total, RM2.196 billion (77.5 per cent) is earmarked for management expenses, while RM638.65 million will be dedicated to development.
"Additionally, RM63.75 million of the development budget will be financed through a federal government grant," she said, adding that the 2025 Budget is a "spending budget" rather than an "aspirational budget".
"Themed Kuala Lumpur Lestari, Warga Kota Sejahtera, this budget is based on the expectation of an improved and fully developed economic landscape. It prioritises the implementation of planned projects and programmes."
Maimunah added that DBKL's revenue for 2025 was projected to rise by 5.84 per cent, reaching RM2.445 billion compared to RM2.31 billion in 2024.
"A significant portion of this income, RM1.53 billion (62.57 per cent), is expected to come from assessment taxes levied on 784,151 properties, including office buildings, residences, hotels, and business premises," she said
