Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 Gazetted: A New Chapter for Urban Renewal and Sustainable Growth
The Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (KLLP2040) has officially been gazetted and comes into effect today, marking a historic milestone in Malaysia’s urban planning journey. With its official launch set for June 24 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, this plan outlines a bold new vision for the capital city’s sustainable transformation over the next 15 years.
Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif, speaking at the REHDA Institute’s “Resilient Cities, Sustainable Futures” forum, described the plan as more than a bureaucratic document.
“The Local Plan is not just a planning document, it is our collective social contract,” she said, highlighting the role of over 28,000 public submissions in shaping the framework.
🏙️ What is the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040?
KLLP2040 is a comprehensive urban planning blueprint that sets out how land use, infrastructure, transportation, housing, sustainability, and public amenities will evolve. It serves as a legal and operational reference for all development in the city and is central to shaping resilient, inclusive, and climate-adaptive neighbourhoods.
This new version replaces outdated planning mechanisms and incorporates emerging trends such as urban renewal, smart mobility, low-carbon strategies, and inclusive development.
🛠️ Urban Renewal Act: DBKL to Lead Implementation with Dedicated Task Force
With the plan now effective, attention turns to implementation mechanisms, particularly the upcoming Urban Renewal Act (URA).
Mayor Maimunah revealed that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will set up a task force to study the URA and support stakeholders involved in redevelopment projects.
“DBKL will work with professionals to assist owners and developers interested in redevelopment. We are here to facilitate, not dominate,” she said.
The task force will ensure DBKL is prepared to guide redevelopment applications once the URA is legislated, making urban renewal a more structured and equitable process.
🧭 Top-Down Planning Critical for Cohesive Urban Redevelopment
However, some urban experts believe redevelopment should remain authority-driven, not developer-led.
Dr Mohamed Rafick Khan Abdul Rahman, chairman of Victims Malaysia, stressed the need for the government to lead with clear zoning and land-use strategy.
“Without a central master plan, redevelopment becomes fragmented and socially divisive. The government must set the agenda, not private parties,” he asserted.
He added that urban renewal must come with comprehensive infrastructure planning—roads, schools, hospitals, and public transit must be scaled in tandem with increased density to avoid repeating past urban planning failures.
🏡 Affordable Housing, Safety, and Green Growth Through Urban Renewal
Datin TPr Hjh Mazrina Datuk Abdul Khalid, president of the Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP), welcomed the URA, noting that urban renewal is a key enabler of affordable housing, which remains in short supply within the city centre.
She also believes that revitalising under-utilised or aging neighbourhoods can directly address safety, accessibility, and liveability challenges.
“We envision neighbourhoods guided by universal design principles—safer for walking, cycling, and community activities,” Mazrina said.
Moreover, she emphasized the opportunity to enhance green spaces and integrate low-carbon solutions such as:
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Green roofs and walls
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Community parks and gardens
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Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS)
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Energy-efficient buildings
🌱 Urban Regeneration Aligned with SDG 11
Ar Dexter Koh Yew Peng, Deputy President of Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM), said the Urban Renewal Act aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
“Urban regeneration isn’t just about beautification—it’s about social inclusion, long-term economic opportunity, and improved quality of life,” he said.
He noted that the URA can help catalyse mixed-income communities, support public-private partnerships, and renew aging urban cores without displacing existing residents.
👥 Residents and Owners Also Have a Role
Stakeholders agreed that property owners must be engaged and committed to the success of renewal efforts.
Dr Mohamed Rafick highlighted that neglect of maintenance fees and strata obligations often leads to the decline of even newly-built developments.
“Urban renewal starts with responsible ownership. Without it, even the best redevelopment plan will falter,” he warned.
This highlights the need for public education, resident engagement, and transparent communication channels under the future URA framework.
🚀 What’s Next for Kuala Lumpur?
With the KLLP2040 gazetted, the focus now shifts to:
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Implementation frameworks, including the Urban Renewal Act
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Establishment of a URA task force by DBKL
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Public awareness campaigns to ensure community participation
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Planning for strategic redevelopment areas, including dilapidated flats, aging commercial centres, and brownfield sites
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Monitoring and integrating smart city technologies, AI planning tools, and ESG benchmarks
🔚 Conclusion: A Blueprint for a Resilient, Inclusive KL
The gazetting of Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 marks a watershed moment for urban transformation in Malaysia’s capital city. By aligning legal frameworks, community input, and sustainability principles, the city is laying the groundwork for a future that is livable, equitable, and future-proofed.
As the Urban Renewal Act gains momentum, the spotlight will remain on DBKL’s ability to implement reforms effectively while keeping communities at the heart of the process.
