01/06/2025

ON SUNDAY JUNE 1, 2025 theSunday Special XI

Voices from the ground 8UEDQ SODQQHU 'U +R &KLQ 6LRQJ IURP 8QLYHUVLWL 7HNQRORJL 0DOD\VLD QRWHV LQ several discussions on urban planning that KL is not yet overpopulated in terms of raw numbers, but it is underplanned in terms of long-term sustainability. What we’re seeing is a mismatch; the population is growing faster than our infrastructure and planning responses can keep up with. Similarly, a 2023 report by the Khaza nah Research Institute noted that while KL had relatively high housing availability, PXFK RI LW ZDV XQD̆ RUGDEOH IRU PLGGOH income Malaysians. This leads to urban displacement and contributes to longer commutes, higher carbon footprints and mental fatigue. Let’s not forget the environment. A case study published by the Malaysian Nature Society showed that KL lost over 30% of its green cover between 2000 and 2020, largely due to rapid development. That’s QRW MXVW DQ DHVWKHWLF ORVV ± LW D̆ HFWV DLU TXDOLW\ KHDW OHYHOV DQG HYHQ ÀRRG ULVNV What can be done? It’s not all doom and gloom. KL still has the advantage of being a relatively young city. There’s room to learn from others and adapt. Some urbanists suggest a ‘15-minute city’ model, the idea that all your es sential needs – work, school, groceries, healthcare, parks – should be within a 15-minute walk or cycle ride from your KRPH 3DULV LV FKDPSLRQLQJ WKLV PRGHO and even Melbourne has adopted similar plans. In Malaysia, developers and city planners are increasingly discussing transit-oriented development, where new housing projects are built around public transportation hubs. The idea is to cut car dependency and bring life back to urban cores. Additionally, more investment in green infrastructure, such as rooftop gardens, vertical farms and urban parks, could help KL breathe easier. The key is a balanced approach: not just building for growth, but for resilience.

But here’s the thing, population num bers alone don’t tell the whole story. What matters is density, infrastructure readi ness and sustainability. KL’s population density stands at around 7,200 people per square kilometre (in the city proper). That’s less than Manila or Dhaka, but our urban sprawl means many residents face long commutes, a dependence on private vehicles and rising living costs just to stay within the city’s orbit. While Tokyo is densely populated, it DOVR KDV RQH RI WKH ZRUOG¶V PRVW Ḣ FLHQW public transportation systems and strict urban planning. Singapore, just down the causeway, is another model city where dense living is matched with meticulous urban planning and green initiatives. So the comparison isn’t just about numbers, it’s about how well a city manages those numbers. What makes a city habitual? Let’s take a step back. Why do people FKRRVH WR OLYH LQ FLWLHV LQ WKH ¿UVW SODFH" It’s not just about work or convenience. A “habitual” city is one where people are happy to settle, live and raise families. First, it has good public infrastructure: clean water, stable electricity, reliable internet and accessible transport. Second, it has affordable and diverse housing RSWLRQV 7KLUG LW R̆ HUV OLIHVW\OH SHUNV including parks, cultural spaces, vibrant food scenes, safety and a sense of com munity. KL does well in some of these areas. 2XU IRRG" 8QEHDWDEOH &XOWXUDO GLYHUVLW\" 5LFK ,QWHUQHW" )DVW %XW ZKHQ LW FRPHV to mobility, housing affordability and environmental sustainability, cracks are starting to show. The rising number of gated communi ties and high-rise condos around the FLW\¶V IULQJHV UHÀHFWV WKLV VKLIW 3HRSOH DUH being pushed further out to places like Rawang, Semenyih and Nilai - in search RI VSDFH DQG D̆ RUGDELOLW\ %XW WKHQ WKH\ face long commutes and become more FDU GHSHQGHQW IHHGLQJ LQWR WKH WUḊ F DQG pollution loop.

So, is KL at risk?

KL isn’t about to implode, but it’s inching closer to a tipping point. The signs are there – increasing traffic congestion, rising living costs, expanding urban sprawl and environmental stress. But with thoughtful urban planning, sustainable development and strong political will, KL can still make a pivot. The question isn’t whether we can accommodate more people – it’s whether we’re prepared to support them. A city doesn’t thrive just because it grows. It thrives when it grows wisely. For that to happen, we – citizens, planners, policymakers and developers – all have a role to play. Because if KL is going to continue being a city we love, we’ve got to make sure it doesn’t just grow bigger, but grows better. What’s your experience living in KL? Do you feel the pinch of overpopulation or see signs of smart growth?

Malaysia’s urbanisation rate hovers around 78% and much of that urban magnetism is drawing people to KL.