LETTERS: As we celebrate the 51st Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory Day, it is a time to reflect on how far our capital city has come and what more needs to be done to make it a truly inclusive, sustainable, and liveable city for all.
KL must not only be a hub of economic growth and development but also a city that prioritizes the well-being of its people, the environment, and future generations.
1. Inclusivity: A city for everyone
A truly inclusive KL is one where every resident, regardless of age, background, or ability, has equal access to opportunities and services.
We must:
• Ensure affordable housing and better urban planning to prevent socio-economic segregation.
• Improve accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in public spaces and transportation.
• Promote multicultural harmony by fostering social cohesion through community-driven initiatives and policies that reflect KL's diversity.
• Strengthen the role of Kuala Lumpur City Hall in decision-making processes, ensuring that the voices of residents are heard and considered in city planning.
2. Sustainability: Protecting our city for the future
Sustainability must be at the heart of KL's development to ensure a cleaner, greener, and more resilient city. This includes:
• Expanding and maintaining green spaces such as parks and urban forests to improve air quality and provide recreational areas for residents.
• Enhancing public transport to reduce congestion and carbon emissions, including better first-mile and last-mile connectivity.
• Implementing stronger policies to reduce waste, encourage recycling, and transition towards a circular economy.
• Strengthening climate resilience by addressing flash floods, preserving flood retention ponds, improving drainage systems, and promoting eco-friendly urban designs.
3. Liveability: Enhancing quality of life
To make KL a more liveable city, we must focus on improving daily life for its residents by:
• Reducing traffic congestion through better public transport and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
• Strengthening safety and security through better street lighting, crime prevention programmes, and community policing initiatives.
• Promoting a vibrant cultural and creative economy, supporting local businesses, heritage conservation, and public art initiatives.
• Investing in safety, health and wellness by ensuring better public healthcare facilities, mental health support, and promoting active lifestyles.
As KL moves forward, let us work together to build a city that is not just a financial and administrative capital but a home that embodies inclusivity, sustainability, and liveability.
Our vision for KL must be bold, forward-thinking, and centred on the needs of the people.
Happy 51st Federal Territory Day! Let us strive for a KL that is not only world-class but also people-centric, green, and thriving for generations to come.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Chairman
Alliance for a Safe Community
*The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
