PTKL2040 Spurs Sustainable Transportation, Transforms Urban Living

By Nurhafizah Tan

KUALA LUMPUR,  July 29  (Bernama) --  Enjoying a more efficient and comfortable living space -- complete with improved infrastructure, sustainable public transport, and a vibrant social environment -- is the future vision outlined by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) under the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (PTKL2040).

In the next 15 years, city dwellers in the heart of the metropolis can expect a lifestyle where working, commuting, and relaxing all happen within walking distance, thanks to comprehensive urban planning aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive development.

Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif said PTKL2040 is focused on developing an integrated, people-oriented, and efficient public transportation system, making public transit the preferred mode of movement for city residents by 2040.

“This vision is further strengthened by the implementation of the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Concept, which will reshape the character of areas surrounding transit hubs, influencing land use, development intensity, and mobility patterns,” she said.

She added that TOD initiatives are designed to ensure seamless access to workplaces, homes, and community facilities while enabling smooth integration across multiple modes of transport.

"It also involves the harmonisation of ticketing and payment systems across Light Rail Transit (LRT), Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), buses and alternative transport (such as e-scooters) through a single digital platform, in addition to the creation of multimodal integration hubs in strategic areas," she told Bernama.

In line with efforts to promote active mobility, Maimunah said the capital would also be developed as a pedestrian-friendly city with features such as shaded walkways, lighting, and accessibility for wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

“To create a truly walkable city, we will expand Car-Free Zones in the city centre and heritage areas, as well as design areas around TODs with human-scale principles to make foot travel between buildings, parks and stations intuitive and safe,” she added.

Addressing the often-cited First and Last Mile challenge, she said DBKL will also strengthen supporting services such as feeder bus services and GoKL Buses from residential areas to major stations.

Additional initiatives include establishing rental stations for bicycles and e-scooters, designing pedestrian- and micro-mobility-friendly zones within a 400-metre to 800-metre radius of transit hubs and enhancing the "Park and Ride" facilities to cater to commuters from the city outskirts.

Maimunah said DBKL aims to implement a smart transport system incorporating the Intelligent Transport System (ITS), real-time travel analytics and smart applications for public feedback and service monitoring.

“These technologies will enable better performance tracking for public transport routes, including buses and trains, while empowering users to provide real-time input on services,” she said.

Under PTKL 2040, she said, seven areas have been identified as primary trade centres in the capital to support the city's economic growth and reduce dependence on existing city centres, thus supporting sustainable and inclusive urban growth.  

She added that these hubs will host a mix of office and business spaces,  shopping centres and other commercial facilities, all strategically located near major public transport networks.

"Three new areas designated as primary trade centres under PTKL2040 are KL Metropolis and its surrounding areas, Bandar Malaysia and Bukit Jalil City Centre.

"In addition, four other areas that are also empowered as primary trade centres are parts of the City Centre, KL Sentral and its surroundings, Bangsar South and Media City, as well as Damansara City Centre to be more competitive and thus make Kuala Lumpur a global city," she said.

According to Maimunah,  KL Metropolis is planned to be a Digital Free Trade Zone that encourages digital trade activities, supported by essential infrastructure, including a satellite service centre known as the Kuala Lumpur Internet City (KLIC).

To further position Kuala Lumpur as a leading financial hub, she said, PTKL2040 has identified three strategic locations in the city centre as Fintech Banking Zones, namely Jalan Ampang-Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Sultan Ismail-Jalan Raja Chulan and Jalan Tun Razak-Tun Razak Exchange (TRX). 

Jalan Ampang-Jalan Tun Razak,  an already vibrant corridor of business and banking activity, will be strengthened with advanced digital infrastructure, while Jalan Sultan Ismail-Jalan Raja Chulan will undergo infrastructure upgrades to improve its business environment and attract more fintech institutions.

"TRX, on the other hand, functions as a new catalyst for the city's financial sector, through a combination of international-class shopping malls, Menara Exchange 106 and TRX Residence," she said.

Maimunah said financial activities in the zone will be strengthened with the development of financial technology (fintech) systems and the upgrading of broadband infrastructure, in line with the goal of making Kuala Lumpur a competitive, organised and sustainable global city by 2040.

--  BERNAMA