Latest news with #WarisanIbuKotaMalaysiaMadani
The Star
26-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘KL not just a city of skyscrapers'
PM: Initiative will make capital ultra-modern while honouring its historical roots KUALA LUMPUR: The Warisan KL Initiative is an effort to develop the national capital into a city embracing modernity while honouring its historical roots, says the Prime Minister. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Kuala Lumpur should reflect its legacy and not merely be a city of skyscrapers. 'A city must be fresh with interesting and attractive physical features that align with technological advancement and changes in times. 'It must also remain deeply rooted in tradition and culture,' he said when officiating the Warisan KL initiative at Menara DBKL yesterday. Under the 'Warisan KL: Warisan Ibu Kota Malaysia Madani' initiative, KL will be revitalised through physical upgrades, cultural preservation, historical conservation and strengthened community values. The project, a public-private effort led by DBKL and ThinkCity, aims to position KL through 10 flagship pilot projects as a globally recognised creative city that is inclusive, connected and reflective of Malaysia's identity. Our future: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif after launching the Warisan KL initiative at Menara DBKL. — Photo from Anwar Ibrahim's Facebook Anwar said the heritage effort must ensure public comfort, green spaces, safety, scenic open fields and access for walking and cycling. 'This is our vision of a modern, new city – not for any particular class, but to serve the needs of all,' he declared. He said cities cannot just be all about big development projects, adding that it should also be about maintaining cleanliness. 'I want small but clean stalls which abide by strict regulations. That is why urban planning must be direct and thorough. 'It has to centre on the needs of a modern country while not sidelining the people,' he added. Anwar said there was no issue with promoting luxury hotels or restaurants, but added that it was equally important 'not to marginalise the 80% of Malaysians who rely on street food and small eateries'. 'That is why I emphasised to DBKL that small establishments, including stalls and warung that are clean and comply with regulations, be upgraded,' he added. Anwar also reiterated that the government's move to introduce the Urban Renewal Act was rooted in the need to provide better living conditions for Malaysians long trapped in dilapidated housing. He said the legal status of land involved in the urban renewal projects will remain unchanged, regardless of whether it is privately owned, under state authority or located on Malay reserve land. 'There are people living in public housing flats that are over 50 years old, in overcrowded, uncomfortable conditions, plagued by serious social and disciplinary issues, all due to prolonged pressure and neglect. 'That is why it is our responsibility to focus on these areas and rebuild the housing. 'Unfortunately, this initiative is being politicised and falsely portrayed as an attempt to steal Malay land or as part of a so-called Chinese agenda to displace Malays from the city,' he added. Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif.
New Straits Times
25-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
'Soul' city: KL must balance modernity with cultural spaces, diverse heritage
KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur must balance a modern skyline with public cultural spaces that reflect the city's diverse heritage and give it a sense of soul. Badan Warisan Malaysia (BWM) president Lim Wei-Ling said while the city boasted impressive skyscrapers, it must balance modernity with vibrant cultural public spaces that foster people's connection to its diverse heritage and encourage cultural exchange. Lim said the newly launched Warisan KL project presented an opportunity to address this by enhancing heritage sites and creating dynamic spaces for people to gather and celebrate the city's rich history. "Badan Warisan Malaysia was pleased to attend the launch of the Warisan KL project and applauds it as a positive and much-needed initiative to restore and revitalise key heritage sites in the city. "We are heartened that Dataran Merdeka and Carcosa Seri Negara will be given renewed attention as these landmarks hold immense historical and cultural significance," she said. She added that once restored, these spaces had the potential to become central hubs for tourism, cultural activities, and community interaction. Earlier yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched the Warisan KL initiative, aimed at rejuvenating the city's historical core into a creative and cultural district. The initiative, formally known as "Warisan KL: Warisan Ibu Kota Malaysia Madani", is a public-private collaboration led by Kuala Lumpur City Hall and ThinkCity, in response to the gradual hollowing out of Kuala Lumpur's historic centre. Spanning a 20 sq km area, Anwar said the initiative would feature 10 flagship projects designed to reposition Kuala Lumpur as a global creative hub — uniquely Malaysian, inclusive, and well-connected. On which facilities should be prioritised to attract more tourists, Lim recommends focusing on the heritage trail from Kuala Lumpur Railway Station to Masjid Jamek, encompassing iconic sites such as Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Dataran Merdeka, and Masjid Jamek, among others. She said these landmarks formed part of the historic heart of Kuala Lumpur, and their restoration and activation would boost heritage tourism while preserving the city's unique character. "BWM strongly supports this initiative and looks forward to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that the project not only conserves our heritage but also elevates Kuala Lumpur as a culturally vibrant and livable city. "With the Warisan KL project in place, Kuala Lumpur is set to become a truly global city that encompasses and embraces both modernity as well as respect for culture and heritage — valuing and preserving the tradition and historical significance of its diverse communities." Inbound Tourism Alliance Consortium president Uzaidi Udanis said the initiative would highlight the city's soul. Aside from refurbishing and upgrading buildings, or "hardware", he said emphasis must also be placed on the "software" — features such as cleanliness. "There is some imbalance in the city. Areas such as Petaling Street and Little India in Brickfields have improved significantly, but I was quite surprised by the condition of the areas around Masjid India, which are not up to standard," he said. "One of the tourist spots there, Haniffa, was once considered a one-stop shopping centre, especially popular among tourists from Indonesia, Brunei, the Middle East, and India. "However, the area around it is now crowded with beggars and the homeless. We need to clean up the area." He added that there should also be more activities, food trail signages, and pedestrian-friendly walkways, especially those that connect with the Light Rail Transit system.
New Straits Times
25-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
PM launches Warisan KL initiative to rejuvenate city via 10 flagship projects
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has launched the Warisan KL initiative, aimed at rejuvenating the city's historical core as a creative and cultural district. The initiative, better known as 'Warisan KL: Warisan Ibu Kota Malaysia Madani', is a public-private effort led by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and ThinkCity, as a response to Kuala Lumpur's historical core gradually hollowing out. Covering a 20 square kilometre area, Anwar said Warisan KL will also involve 10 flagship projects aimed at repositioning KL as a global creative centre that is uniquely Malaysian, inclusive and connected. These catalytic projects involve the Dataran Merdeka Heritage Area, Carcosa Seri Negara, Merdeka 118, Masjid Jamek Enclave, Trade Quadrant, Memorial Tun Abdul Razak, Green Connector Network, KL Railway Station, Fashion and Textile, and Content and Programming.
