KUALA LUMPUR: The government will ensure that the new structural and development plan in Kuala Lumpur takes into account the increase in traffic, following population growth in the city, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Ramkarpal Singh said the proposed new development will also be subjected to the result of Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA), which among other things, includes the findings on the current level of road service and future projections.
"Aside from that, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is also establishing a more comprehensive and integrated traffic planning for a long-term solution to address congestion issues.
"The City Hall will also focus on the development of user-friendly, efficient and accessible public transportation as part of the initiative to achieve a 70 per cent target for public transportation usage by 2040.
"At the same time, among initiatives that have been implemented are the Go KL city bus service, special bus lanes, bicycle lanes, pedestrian walkways and access to real-time bus information and service through digital applications," he said during the minister's question time in Dewan Rakyat, today.
Ramkarpal said this in response to Datuk Muhammad Bakthiar Wan Chik (PH-Balik Pulau) on the government's efforts to face the challenges of continuous development in Kuala Lumpur given the city's growing population.
Meanwhile, in terms of settlement and housing issues, Ramkarpal said the government has also announced the concept of 'Kejiranan Madani' in the city, which aims to assist the vulnerable, B40 and M40 income groups in Kuala Lumpur.
This includes the Council Homes project initiated by DBKL in Sg Udang, Segambut, which has been completed and offered 1,251 residential units for rent at a rate of RM850 per month, he said.
"These homes are intended to be rented out to qualified Kuala Lumpur residents at rates lower than market rates for a specific lease period.
"Additionally, three more Council Homes projects are under construction at Jalan Selimang Bandar Tun Razak (702 units), Bandar Baru Sentul (168 units), and Taman Desa Seputeh (1175 units). Rental rates for these Council Homes, apart from those in Sg Udang, have yet to be determined.
"All of these initiatives reflect the commitment and concern of the unity government under the leadership of prime minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) to ensure sustainable development in Kuala Lumpur and effectively address the challenges faced holistically."