Kuala Lumpur is ranked 79 out of the 130 listed livable cities. The ranking has given Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Datuk Raja Zainal Abidin a new vision — to see it in the top 20 by the year 2020.
He said to achieve that status, there are several measures that need to be fulfilled and one of the main criteria is an effective infrastructure.
“The Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan are pride of the country. For a start, we hope to achieve Kuala Lumpur’s status as the preferred top 20 livable cities through the Greater KL/Klang Valley project under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP),’’ he said during a tea reception held in conjunction with the closing ceremony of the month-long FT celebrations in Precinct 3.
He said under the ETP, the Greater KL/Klang Valley will be transformed into a vibrant city and economic hub with quality infrastructure, green spaces and a comprehensive transportation linkage and WiFi availability.
He said as for Putrajaya, the focus was to transform it into a Green City.
“The distinguishing feature of Putrajaya is that 40% of the city area is designated for green open spaces with artificial wetland and 38km-long waterfront spanning 12% the total area of Putrajaya,’’ added Nong Chik.
He said the population of Putrajaya is 70,000 and with more vibrancy added, it would attract more people to the green city.
“Putrajaya is more than a government enclave. We are confident that with more green features, we will be able to attract not only more people to live here but also attract the business communities,’’ said Nong Chik.
Over 6,000 FT citizens attended the tea reception which was also graced by KL mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Fuad Ismail and Putrajaya Corporation president Tan Sri Samsuddin Osman.
Nong Chik also presented a total of RM177,000 to 590 students from Kuala Lumpur who are pursuing courses in Egypt. Others who received monetary contribution include senior citizens, single mothers, disabled communities and Parent-Teacher Associations.
