KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif said her plan to revitalise the city involves returning to basics by providing essential amenities to the public, which she believes will attract investors to the capital.

She said the fundamental services must be provided to residents to create a livable, safe, clean, and walkable city with an improved economy which would encourage people to return to the city.

"When I was at the Seberang Perai City Council, the main public concerns were rubbish, drainage, grass cutting, and street lights. These are the basic areas we need to address. We want to see cleanliness and walkability improve, which will bring people back to the city.

"When we talk about urban regeneration, it's for the locals first. When they are happy, the investors will come in.

"I think this is very important for generating economic activity, providing facilities, and sparking youth interest in returning to the city, which will ultimately draw investors," Maimunah said at a press conference after officiating the 15th International Conference on World Class Sustainable Cities (WCSC 2024).

She said her goal was to build a city that caters to all, balancing the needs of both the community and businesses.

Maimunah began her tenure as KL Mayor last month, having previously served as the mayor of both the Penang City Council and Seberang Perai City Council.

In February, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) announced that it had prepared the Draft Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (KLLP2040), which is intended to replace the Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020 in accordance with the Federal Territory (Planning) Act 1982 (Act 267).

The Draft KLLP2040 was created to translate the goals and strategic direction of KLSP2040 into a more detailed physical plan, aiming to achieve the vision of a "Kuala Lumpur City for All."

Meanwhile, Maimunah also stated that all public spaces in Kuala Lumpur gazetted as green areas would maintain their status under her stewardship.

She said she is currently "mapping out" all gazetted public spaces in the city and urged everyone to 'put their foot down' against any attempts to degazette these areas.

"If it's meant to be a public space, let it remain a public space," she said.

In July, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa informed the Dewan Rakyat that 2,393.79 hectares of open space in Kuala Lumpur have been designated as green areas.

Of this total, 977.55 hectares have been gazetted, while another 1,416.24ha are being gazetted.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/1103862/kl-mayor-announces-back-basics-approach-draw-investors-kl