(From second left) Dr Zaliha and Noridah talking to participants at the event. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
STAKEHOLDERS want Budget 2025 for Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya to focus on entrepreneurs and petty traders as well as youth development.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said these areas were the most talked about, based on feedback received during engagement sessions with the public.
“We gathered more than 2,280 responses from stakeholders via online and physical engagement sessions held in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
“In Kuala Lumpur, we received 480 responses from online sessions and 1,800 from physical sessions held at 11 parliamentary areas.
“We even had a specific engagement session for youths,” she said during a press conference after the 2025 Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Budget engagement session at Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) in Putrajaya.
More than 200 stakeholders attended the event organised by the Federal Territories Department.
Dr Zaliha said input received would be considered during the drafting process to improve on next year’s budget proposal.
“The finance department of respective agencies will discuss the feedback gathered before drawing up a budget proposal for the Finance Ministry.”
She said that the three Federal Territories would focus on developing liveable cities through the “CHASE” (clean, healthy, advanced, safe and eco-friendly city) vision.
“This initiative will drive sustainable development and support economic growth in all the Federal Territories.”
She said there were two clusters that would contribute to the formation of “CHASE Cities”.
“There is the Sejahtera @ WP cluster, which is aimed at restructuring the Federal Territories to be more inclusive and competitive while maximising urban management efficiency, as well as the ‘Usaha Jaya Insan Programme’ (Puji) which targets improving the socio-economic quality of the people through various forms of assistance,” she elaborated.
Also present were Putrajaya Corporation president Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud, JWP director-general Datuk Noridah Abdul Rahim and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) general (planning) director Datuk Zulkurnain Hassan.
Bukit Bandaraya Residents Association advisor Datuk M. Ali, who attended the engagement session in Lembah Pantai, said feedback on how to improve surrounding areas had been relayed to DBKL.
“We want DBKL’s budget to focus more on better infrastructure and accessibility in Bangsar.
“This includes erecting a better pedestrian walkway to Bangsar LRT as well as a covered walkway to Pusat Bandar Damansara MRT station and the upgrading of two recreational parks on Jalan Jejawi and Jalan Rumpai in Bangsar.
“We hope that these requests can be met for residents’ benefit,” he said.
During the engagement session in Cheras, a few residents associations highlighted the need for improved traffic management plans, better pedestrian accessibility as well as tree and infrastructure maintenance.
Residents groups also highlighted the need for more parks and greenery in Taman Supreme, Cheras, as the neighbourhood lacks recreational facilities.
