He said with limited land and the federal capital seeing an explosion of development and population growth, an underground city was an ideal alternative if it can be realised.
“Buildings below ground level can be up to two to three storeys and can house offices, malls and parking lots. Naturally an effective ventilation system will be needed.
“With activities like shopping and movement of vehicles going below ground level, land above can be developed to be green lungs for recreation activities by city dwellers both in the mornings and evenings,” he told Bernama after making a courtesy call on Bernama chairman Azman Ujang at Wisma Bernama here today.
Elyas also said in terms of transport infrastructure, the Light Transit Train (LRT) system should be expanded to cover the entire city so that more KLites can use public transport which in turn would reduce traffic congestion.
“Underground trains should be moving all the time to link city folks from one area to another without heavily depending on cars,” he said.
Elyas, who served as mayor from 1983 to 1992, also proposed that there should be no roads on top of the underground city as land is limited in Kampung Baru.
“On top of the underground city, there should be no roads and traffic should go underground with the construction of good air ventilation system,” he said.
The underground municipal system also required careful planning as all activities carried out underground would take into consideration the drainage system and flood management, he said.
“Planning for the underground drainage system should be meticulous to ensure smooth drainage of water underground into rivers and canals to overcome flood problems,” he said.
He said if Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) intended to develop an underground city, proper planning should be made to take into consideration the redevelopment of old buildings in Kampung Baru.
“Old traditional houses with no historical value should be demolished and modern Malay traditional houses could be built underground and turned into chalets or hotels.
“Redevelop houses and buildings that are more than 50 years old into a traditional village which is more orderly with more innovative designs underground,” said Elyas, who wanted the traditional characteristics of Malay housing to be retained.
Apart from that, Elyas also called on DBKL to focus on increasing the construction of affordable houses in urban areas at reasonable prices.
“It is my wish to have more people living in the city and I do not want to see a dead city such as Chicago. That is why I encourage affordable condominiums to be built in the city,” he said.