DBKL said although formal objections to the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (PTKL 2040) no longer apply following its gazettement on June 11, it remains committed to best planning practices through the implementation of Rule 3 of the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Planning Rules 2025, which mandates stakeholder consultations.
It explained that such consultation is required for specific types of proposed developments, such as high-density projects or temporary developments, which require public feedback before approval is granted.
“Additionally, every approved development project in Kuala Lumpur is required to implement a communication strategy covering the pre-construction, construction, and post-construction phases,” it said in a statement.
“This ensures that developers engage with nearby residents to clearly explain the planned development and the benefits it will bring to the local community.”
DBKL said these measures reflect its ongoing commitment to public engagement, transparency, and inclusive decision-making in urban planning.
It was responding to criticism by Seputeh MP Teresa Kok over the “secret” gazettement of the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Planning Rules 2025, which took place on June 13 and became effective three days later.
Kok said the rules, which replace decades-old planning laws, weaken transparency and limit public objections to development projects.
In its statement, DBKL said it remains dedicated to ensuring that the city is developed in an organised, inclusive, and liveable manner, with public input serving as a key foundation of its planning process.
It also stressed that PTKL 2040’s preparation was carried out transparently and in full compliance with legal provisions, with all stakeholders given the opportunity to provide input.
It said it implemented a variety of publicity and public engagement methods to ensure broad community participation in line with Sections 14 and 15 of the Federal Territory (Planning) Act 1982.
The public participation period began on Jan 31, 2024, was extended twice, and ended on April 15, 2024, it said.
During this time, DBKL said it hosted permanent and mobile exhibitions across Kuala Lumpur and conducted 13 public briefing sessions, including ones involving Kuala Lumpur MPs.
It also said it went beyond the legal requirements by conducting more engagement sessions than required under the Federal Territory (Planning) Act.
Fifty-one engagement sessions involving more than 1,500 individuals and groups were organised. The participants included academics, MPs, professionals, residents’ associations, government bodies, and local authorities.
These engagement efforts spanned several years and formats, and included early pre-consultation sessions in 2019, informal meetings with MPs in 2020, and technical meetings with 32 government bodies.
DBKL also said it gathered feedback through online surveys from 300 residents’ associations, hosted focus group discussions with 521 participants, held consultation sessions with MPs in 2023, and organised an open day for the draft amendment in May.