DBKL urged to examine historical elements to be retained in urban redevelopment

The Star

26-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has urged the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to assess the historical elements to be preserved in the urban redevelopment of 139 identified areas.
He stated that preserving a location's history is equally important in pursuing sustainable and resilient development.
"This area was once a squatter area consisting of wooden houses, due to relocation during the construction of the New Pantai Expressway (NPE). So, there is some history here because some residents, including my staff, were relocated to this area once upon a time.
"So, they have memories of growing up in this area, so that future generations know that before they were born, in previous generations, there was such a community.
"I believe this will help us have strong roots, including in terms of culture, identity, and memories of the place where we were born and raised," he said.
Fahmi, also the Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai, said this after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi at Pantai Sentral Park, developed by IJM Land and Amona Group, here on Monday (May 26).
Also present were DBKL Planning Executive Director Datuk Zulkurnain Hassan, IJM Land Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Datuk Tony Ling, and Director cum CEO of Amona Group, Datuk Che Hasnadi Che Hassan.
Fahmi said that several areas, including Taman Bukit Angkasa, have been identified for redevelopment in Lembah Pantai.
"To ensure that all residents, especially owners, benefit, we need clear laws. Therefore, DBKL's aspiration to assist in redeveloping these 139 areas around Kuala Lumpur needs to move in tandem with a new act, the Urban Renewal Act," he said.
Meanwhile, he said thousands of trees, including Meranti Damar, Meranti Daun and Merawan Siput Jantan species, would be replanted at Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi, which was expected to be completed by the end of this year.
"I have asked the developer to consider several aspects, including the history of the area, so that it can be incorporated into the design of the park.
"If we look at the Kuala Lumpur area, some communities have long been in certain areas before they were developed. I hope we can celebrate that history here by incorporating it in the design or the selection of trees.
"Once upon a time, the Kampung Kerinchi community informed that there were several areas used as places where the community came to find bamboo to be cut and sold, so maybe we can look at what species they are," he said. – Bernama