30/07/2025

WEDNESDAY | JULY 30, 2025

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

6

Project to boost infrastructure, public transport in city

Three areas nominated

as Asean Heritage Sites ALOR SETAR:

She added that to further position Kuala Lumpur as a leading financial hub, the plan has identified three strategic locations in the city centre as fintech banking zones, namely Jalan Ampang-Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Sultan Ismail-Jalan Raja Chulan and Jalan Tun Razak-Tun Razak Exchange (TRX). Jalan Ampang-Jalan Tun Razak, a vibrant corridor of business and banking activity, would be strengthened with advanced digital infrastructure while Jalan Sultan Ismail-Jalan Raja Chulan would undergo infrastructure upgrades to improve its business environment and attract more fintech institutions. “TRX functions as a new catalyst for the city’s financial sector through a combination of international-class shopping malls, Menara Exchange 106 and TRX Residence.”

She also said seven areas have been identified under the plan as primary trade centres in the capital to support the city’s economic growth and reduce dependence on existing city centres, supporting sustainable and inclusive urban growth. Maimunah added that these hubs would host a mix of office and business spaces, shopping centres, and other commercial facilities, all strategically located near major public transport networks. “Three new areas designated as primary trade centres under the plan are KL Metropolis and its surrounding areas, Bandar Malaysia and Bukit Jalil City Centre. “Four other areas that are empowered as primary trade centres are parts of the city centre, KL Sentral and its surroundings, Bangsar South and Media City, as well as Damansara City Centre.” She said KL Metropolis is planned to be a digital free trade zone that encourages digital trade activities, supported by

o Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 focused on developing integrated, people-oriented, efficient mass transit system

Malaysia has enhanced its commitment in regional biodiversity conservation with the nomination of three protected areas as Asean Heritage Sites (AHP) at the 27th Asean Centre for Biodiversity Governing Board (GB) meeting in Langkawi. The meeting on Monday was chaired by Environment and Natural Resources Department Philippine Policy, Planning and International Affairs undersecretary and GB chairman Jonas R. Leones and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry Biodiversity and Forestry Management Division secretary and GB deputy chairman S. Siva Kumar. The ministry announced that the meeting had decided to nominate three sites as AHPs, namely the Tengku Hassanal Wildlife Reserve in Pahang, and Bako National Park and Bukit Lambir National Park in Sarawak. It said the meeting also agreed to nominate three new sites in Vietnam, namely Xuan Thuy National Park, Pu Mat National Park and the Dong Nai Culture and Nature Reserve, Bernama reported. “The launch of ‘Enhancing Conservation and Restoration of Wetlands and Peatlands in Asean’ was officially introduced, with Maludam National Park in Sarawak selected as Malaysia’s pilot site along with Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in the Philippines. “The meeting also welcomed the formulation of the Asean Biodiversity Plan 2024–2030, which is aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.”

KUALA LUMPUR: Enjoying a more efficient and comfortable living space, complete with improved infrastructure, sustainable public transport and a vibrant social

platform, in addition to the creation of multimodal integration hubs in strategic areas,” she told Bernama. Maimunah said the capital would also be developed as a

pedestrian-friendly city, with features such as shaded walkways, lighting, as well as accessibility for wheelchairs and other mobility aids. “To create a truly walkable city, we will expand car-free zones in the city centre and

environment, is the future vision outlined by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall under the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040. In the next 15 years, city

dwellers in the heart of the metropolis can expect a lifestyle in which working, commuting and relaxing all happen within walking distance, thanks to comprehensive urban planning aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive development. Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif (pic) said the plan is focused on developing an integrated, people-oriented and efficient public transport system, making public transit the preferred mode of movement for city residents by 2040. “This vision is further strengthened by the implementation of the transit-oriented development (TOD) concept, which would reshape the character of areas surrounding transit hubs, influencing land use, development intensity and mobility patterns,” she said. “It involves the harmonisation of ticketing and payment systems across light rail transit, mass rapid transit, buses and alternative transport (such as e-scooters) through a single digital

Maimunah said financial activities in the zone would be strengthened with the development of fintech systems, in line with the goal of mak ing Kuala Lumpur

heritage areas, as well as design areas around TODs with human-scale principles to make foot travel between buildings, parks and stations intuitive and safe.” She said city hall would strengthen supporting services, such as feeder bus services and GoKL Buses, from residential areas to major stations, Bernama reported. Additional initiatives include establishing rental stations for bicycles and e-scooters, designing pedestrian and micromobility-friendly zones within a 400m to 800m radius of transit hubs, and enhancing “Park and Ride” facilities to cater to commuters from the city outskirts. She said city hall aims to implement a smart transport system incorporating the intelligent transport system, real-time travel analytics and apps for public feedback and service monitoring.

essential infrastructure, including a satellite service centre known as K u a l a L u m p u r Internet City.

an organised and sustainable city by 2040.

Maimunah said City Hall would strengthen supporting services, such as feeder bus services and GoKL Buses, from residential areas to major stations. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN