Over RM1bil to turn KL into top-notch city, says PM

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government will spend over RM1bil to make Kuala Lumpur more “competitive” globally, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said projects under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP)would ensure that Kuala Lumpur be among the world's top 20 cities. The Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit and “river of life” project are some of the projects to transform the capital city, he said when launching Federal Territories Day celebrations at Dataran Merdeka here.

Najib listening to Mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail explain the pedestrian walkway from KLCC to Bukit Bintang

Najib also spoke about the Federal Territories being a reflection of Malaysia's future, and a showcase of a holistic and responsible development planning as well as the best practice in the implementation of development programmes. "Negative elements which are often associated with urbanisation process should be avoided. Creativity and innovation should be the hallmark in the development philosophy of these territories.

"Development should not be seen in a single-dimensional way but in an integrated manner taking into account humanity issues, the environment and aesthetic values," he said. He added that through the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), the government strived to transform Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley through the Greater Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley initiative, with the objective of placing the national capital among the world's 20 most livable cities by 2020.

"Several mega projects are ongoing under the Greater KL/Klang Valley initiative including the My Rapid Transit, River of Life, Iconic Places, Pedestrian Walkway, Greener KL as well as the sewerage and solid waste management projects," he said.

For Labuan, he said, the government had set its development target to be based on three key elements, namely as an oil and gas trading centre, an international business and financial centre, and as a premier tourism destination. Notwithstanding these sectors, he said, other aspects or existing industries on the island such as education, marine-based halal food production, and retail businesses would continue to be given attention.

-thestar online.