Kuala Lumpur: Physical development in Kuala Lumpur must be balanced with social needs to ensure the city remains conducive and liveable for all generations, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. She emphasized that rapid development must also be accompanied by the capacity of the education system, basic amenities, and support for the local community structure.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Zaliha stated that while rapid development in Kuala Lumpur is inevitable, it is crucial to align development approvals with the readiness of supporting infrastructure such as schools, clinics, road networks, public transport, and green spaces from the earliest stages of planning. She highlighted the need for a shift from a siloed approach between developers and local authorities to comprehensive planning that considers the overall impact on the area.
Earlier, Dr Zaliha chaired the Federal Territories Ministerial Council Meeting, which serves as an engagement platform between her and Kuala Lumpur MPs, along with agencies such as the Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur Education Department (JPWPKL) and PLANMalaysia. The meeting focused on discussing development policies for the federal capital. Dr Zaliha pointed out that unlike other states with executive councillors and assemblymen, the federal territories require a more dynamic approach to policy coordination between the federal government and MPs.
Additionally, Dr Zaliha emphasized the importance of MPs’ involvement in development issues being more pragmatic, factoring in data, long-term impacts, and environmental readiness rather than being driven by perception or populist approaches that could hinder policy adaptation.
In a related development, Dr Zaliha received a courtesy call from Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing to strengthen strategic cooperation in the tourism sector within the federal territories. Their discussion centered on elevating Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan as premier tourism destinations, each with unique strengths. Dr Zaliha extended an invitation to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) to collaborate in promoting the Borneo Flora Festival in Labuan, targeting over 50,000 visitors. Furthermore, Putrajaya Corporation and Tourism Malaysia have been tasked with refining creative new tourism products in Putrajaya to extend tourists’ stays and offer fresh experiences, encouraging repeat visits.