Not too late for KL folk to have a say
Draft Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 still open for review, feedback until april 1
SURPRISED by that towering skyscraper emerging in your neighbourhood?
You shouldn’t be, as the development plan for that plot of land was likely outlined in the local area’s blueprint.
The plan would have had details of land use, zoning regulations and plot ratio control for any future development for that piece of land.
As someone residing in the vicinity, it is not just our right but also our duty to remain informed about such developments and actively engage in the planning process.
If there are concerns or doubts about proposed developments or changes in land usage outlined in the local plan, individuals have an avenue to voice their opinions and file official complaints.
In Kuala Lumpur for example, Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (KLLP2040) is a legally enshrined document to be used by the mayor to control development planning in the city.
Together with Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040 (KLSP), these documents wield immense influence over the city’s land usage policies, shaping its urban landscape, infrastructure expansion, environmental conservation efforts and socioeconomic advancements for the next two decades.
KLSP2040 was gazetted in 2023, while the draft KLLP2040 is currently at its publicity stage.
This is an important stage in the plan as it allows for public feedback and engagement.
During this stage, stakeholders, residents and other interested parties can review the proposed plan, provide input and raise any concerns or suggestions they may have.
Publicity ensures transparency in the planning process and helps ensure that the final plan reflects the needs and aspirations of the community it serves.
So important is public participation that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) as the authority-in-charge has organised exhibitions on the draft KLLP2040, including roadshows.
DBKL also held 13 briefing sessions which were attended by 250 people including representatives from residents associations, academics, professional bodies, non-governmental organisations and Kuala Lumpur MPS.
However, the responsibility does not lie solely with the authorities to make this extra effort.
The onus is also on us, as residents and stakeholders, to ensure that we actively participate in the city planning process.
Several residents’ groups are going all out to ensure more people take part in the process.
For example, Save Kuala Lumpur, a residents-based coalition advocating for effective city planning, carried out workshops on the draft KLLP2040.
“They (the participants) will get a better understanding of what is being planned for their area, and be better informed about the development of our city,” said coalition chairman Datuk M. Ali recently.
Butitcannotonlybeleftinthe hands of a small group of people. There is strength in numbers.
And this is not only about participating in the draft plan process. We should not wait for issues to arise before getting involved.
We can each play a part by making an effort to be informed about local development plans and projects that could impact our neighbourhood, by attending community meetings, public forums and discussions with local authorities.
Support initiatives within the community aimed at promoting effective city planning and public participation.
Take the time to educate ourselves about the local development plans, including zoning regulations and intensity maps for the neighbourhood.
This knowledge will empower us to better understand implications of proposed developments and make informed contributions to the planning process.
Now, with only about seven days left before the closing date for the draft KLLP2040 on April 1, there is still time to provide feedback on the future development of our city.
All the information is online at https://ppkl.dbkl.gov.my/
We must take a proactive approach to monitoring and participating in the planning process to help shape the future of our neighbourhood and city.