Kuala lumpur: The Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (PTKL 2040) aims to strike a balance between physical development and the preservation of the city’s cultural heritage, said Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif: She mentioned that City Hall (DBKL) is collaborating with the Department of National Heritage to establish a framework dedicated to safeguarding heritage buildings throughout the city.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Maimunah emphasized the importance of heritage development as part of the city’s inclusivity. The plan incorporates heritage trail routes to highlight areas identified as part of Kuala Lumpur’s cultural footprint. The efforts to identify and incorporate more of these heritage trails into the plan are ongoing.

Additionally, the plan identifies several heritage villages to be preserved and gazetted as protected zones, supporting efforts to maintain Kuala Lumpur’s historical and cultural character. Maimunah highlighted that sites gazetted as heritage cannot be altered, ensuring better oversight for developers in Kuala Lumpur.

PTKL 2040 adopts a balanced approach to development, integrating key elements such as economic growth, physical planning, environmental sustainability, creativity, mental well-being, and safety. Maimunah also noted that DBKL applied to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in March, receiving confirmation in April. The application is under review, with a decision expected in October, which recognizes cities prioritizing innovation, good governance, and community engagement through creativity.