The Federal Territories Department’s Plans for Urban Initiatives and Infrastructure Developments
The Federal Territories Department will roll out more urban initiatives and infrastructure plans to meet the evolving needs of the population. Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Federal Territories. The regions comprising Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan have all undergone significant development since the start of its inception in 1974.
The Federal Territories Department (JWP) is responsible for three key hubs:
- The FT of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.
- Putrajaya, the federal government’s administrative centre.
- Labuan, an international business and finance centre, as well as oil and gas hub.
The Federal Territories have achieved remarkable progress over the past five decades since Kuala Lumpur was declared the first federal territory in 1974. However, progress is a continuous journey. JWP is gearing up to meet current and future challenges by rolling out comprehensive urban initiatives, infrastructure developments, and tourism enhancements in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan.
In a statement, the department said these plans would have a strong focus on affordable housing, urban renewal, green spaces, and smart technology implementation to meet the evolving needs of the population and ensure balanced and sustainable development in these regions.
Affordable Housing as a Key Focus
Equal attention must be paid to all aspects of developing the territories, from its people to socioeconomic dynamics, urban infrastructure, and the overall quality of life. With KL seeing an almost 2% increase in the number of residents between 2022 and 2023, equal to two million people and expected to surge in the coming years, providing affordable housing remains a key focus for JWP.
Residensi Sungai Udang in Segambut is Kuala Lumpur’s first council home, serving as transit homes for jobseekers in the city. JWP is targeting to construct 80,000 affordable housing units by 2028 in the federal territories, having achieved 81.5% thus far.
New Lease of Life through Urban Renewal
A relatively new approach that JWP has embarked on is urban renewal, aimed at revitalizing old brownfield and greyfield areas in KL. Old flats and strata properties that are no longer conducive to modern living will be given a new lease of life with redevelopment, allowing for more affordable home ownership.
Greening Cities for Balanced Development
Together with the physical development of the federal territories, JWP is focused on ensuring balanced and sustainable development. It has become mandatory for new property developers in KL and Putrajaya to allocate a certain percentage of land as open and green space.
One area where the department and its agencies are hoping to gazette as a forest reserve is in Bukit Dinding area in Setiawangsa. JWP is committed to planting one million trees in all three federal territories until 2025, as part of the ‘Greening Malaysia’ campaign.
Developing Putrajaya and Labuan
While KL has seen the bulk of new initiatives and policies, Putrajaya and Labuan are not to be left out. Efforts to enhance Putrajaya’s offering include plans for a 300km cycling path, a Quranic Village project, and embracing smart technology to improve safety and security.
In Labuan, plans are underway to develop it further as an investment hub with upgraded utilities and infrastructure. Improved tourism products and destinations have also been developed, such as stargazing at the Wak Kiman campsite and various adventure activities.
Shaping the Next Phase of Development
JWP is focused on shaping the next phase of development that addresses the evolving needs of the people. As important as a golden milestone, the 50th anniversary shows progress that is not just about looking back at various achievements but also about envisioning a better future for its community.
