DBKL Provides RM500 Mln To Upgrade Hawker, Public Housing Facilities

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will channel RM500 million from its internal funds to upgrade hawker and public housing facilities, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar, also the Finance Minister, said that of the total, RM200 million will go towards redeveloping the ageing hawker centres, markets and food courts, while the other RM300 million will be used to maintain People's Housing Project (PPR) buildings, wiring and roads.

"I managed to visit Pantai Dalam recently and noticed that the people's housing often experienced lift problems. I have also instructed DBKL to immediately carry out all lift repair works by the end of this year.

"The government is also providing RM60 million to build stalls and refurbish public markets at all local councils. Meanwhile, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) will upgrade 363 of its business premises nationwide for the benefit of 7,300 entrepreneurs with an allocation of nearly RM50 million,” he said.

He said this when tabling Budget 2026 themed Belanjawan MADANI Keempat: Belanjawan Rakyat (Fourth MADANI Budget: A Budget for the People) in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Meanwhile, Anwar said the government is providing an initial RM5 million matching grant to encourage the private sector, philanthropists and heritage experts to rejuvenate Muzium Negara.

"Cash donations made by individuals and corporations to the Malaysian Museums Department Trust Account will be eligible for tax deductions equivalent to the amount contributed,” he said.

He added that Khazanah Nasional Bhd (Khazanah) is investing RM600 million for conservation works of Carcosa Seri Negara, while Warisan KL's initiative has been expanded to include conservation works of the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station and the Dayabumi Complex.

"Nearly four decades ago, the government negotiated the return of Carcosa Seri Negara from the British. It is a building steeped in history, symbolising the dignity and sovereignty of the nation.

"The Sultan Abdul Samah Building is a historical witness to the Malay Rulers and the place where the Union Jack was lowered,” he said.

He added that Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB)'s Merdeka 118 development will be complemented by the opening of the Textile Museum next year, as an effort to highlight Malay textiles, in addition to the restoration of Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara.

"Our sincere appreciation to Khazanah, PNB, Petronas and RAC (Raiwaly Asset Corporation) for their commitment to preserving Kuala Lumpur. The Warisan KL initiative is a bold step to revitalise the heartbeat of the city - not merely by conserving old buildings, but by reviving the soul of Kuala Lumpur as a cultural stage, an economic catalyst and a platform for the people's aspirations,” he said.

-- BERNAMA