LETTER | Selamatkan Kuala Lumpur (SKL) is a movement comprising residents’ associations from different parts of Kuala Lumpur, advocating for sustainable city planning which protects our communities, the environment, and our future. SKL was at the World Urban Forum 9 (WUF9) to highlight the problems of over-development plaguing our city.

Rampant development in Kuala Lumpur, with multiple high-rise projects popping up everywhere, has caused overpopulation, traffic congestion, the shrinking of green and open spaces, flash floods, air pollution, and climate change.

We want KL to be a liveable city and believe these four key platforms are the foundation for sustainable growth and development: democratise our city councils, ensure effective community participation, protect our urban green and public spaces, and gazette and enforce a local plan.

A representative local government whose mayor and local councillors are elected by the people, will ensure an inclusive, participatory leadership. Citizen participation helps ensure transparent and democratic approaches.

Community input ensures community needs are incorporated and allows for more holistic development.

Communal green spaces help decrease the risk and impact of climate change dangers, such as flooding and water scarcity. Parks and green spaces build community and promote physical and mental health.

Planned urban development ensures liveable and sustainable city development, as well as government accountability and transparency. There is urgent need for an immediate publication of an approved local plan of the city.

The theme of WUF9 - “Cities 2030, Cities for All: Implementing the New Urban Agenda” - is an opportune and relevant platform to highlight the issues faced by the residents of Kuala Lumpur and to ensure that local government officials and lawmakers enforce holistic sustainable development in the city.

ABDUL AZIZ ABDUL RAHMAN is Selamatkan Kuala Lumpur chairperson.