Walk the talk: How KL is stepping up towards a more walkable future
Kuala Lumpur is working to reshape its urban landscape to prioritise pedestrians.
Making walking a habit can bring plenty of benefits beyond just getting to where you need to go.
Walking supports physical fitness, reduces the risks of a sedentary lifestyle, and enhances mental well-being. Additionally, urban greening initiatives, which improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, and cool streets, significantly elevate the quality of life for city dwellers.
Kuala Lumpur, a city renowned for its bustling traffic and towering skyscrapers, is working to reshape its urban landscape to prioritise pedestrians.
This transformation integrates heritage, sustainability, and innovation to create spaces that focus on people rather than vehicles, tackling health, environmental, and social challenges.
Think City managing director Datuk Hamdan Abdul Majeed highlighted the importance of revitalising historic five-foot ways and incorporating greenery, public art, and cultural elements into pathways to make walking more inclusive and appealing.
“Pedestrian-friendly infrastructure thrives when it becomes an essential part of a broader urban ecosystem.
“In Kuala Lumpur, this means embedding walkability into the city’s larger mobility strategy that connects seamlessly with public transport, cycling infrastructure, and private vehicles,” he told Sinar Daily.
Hamdan noted that improving pedestrian connections to MRT, LRT, and bus stations paves the way for a healthier, community-oriented lifestyle, reflecting Malaysia’s heritage and sustainability goals.
These initiatives aim to reduce dependency on private vehicles, cut carbon emissions, ease traffic congestion, and promote active lifestyles.
He pointed to Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) as a promising direction, integrating various modes of transport into a cohesive platform to simplify multimodal journeys and encourage sustainable travel.
“Copenhagen prioritises pedestrians and cyclists through green spaces and car-free zones, while Singapore incorporates covered walkways and seamless connections between transit hubs and public spaces in its urban planning,” he added.
Locally, projects such as the Green Connector demonstrate how green networks can link parks, cultural landmarks, and transit hubs, creating vibrant, functional urban spaces.
Hamdan also emphasised the role of Nature-based Solutions (NbS), including shaded walkways, permeable surfaces, and urban greenery, in enhancing pedestrian experiences while addressing urban heat and flooding challenges.
“The KL Structure Plan 2040 and projects like the Jalan Parlimen linear park show Kuala Lumpur’s commitment to balancing functionality with community well-being,” he said.
By prioritising walking and integrating it with an efficient public transport system, the city aims to reduce car reliance, lower emissions, and ease traffic congestion. These goals align with the KL Local Plan 2040, which focuses on improving public transport accessibility and walkability.
Hamdan stressed that these efforts are not only about reducing carbon footprints but also about fostering healthier communities.
“Walking and cycling for short commutes contribute to better physical and mental well-being, reducing risks associated with sedentary lifestyles.
“Cleaner air, quieter streets, and cooler microclimates created through urban greening initiatives enhance overall liveability,” he said.
Kuala Lumpur’s rich cultural and architectural heritage provides a unique opportunity to create pathways that are functional and reflective of its identity. Hamdan noted that the city’s historic five-foot ways, originally designed to shield pedestrians from rain and heat, can be revitalised to preserve this distinct aspect of its urban fabric.
“Pathways that incorporate public art, cultural motifs, and greenery celebrate KL’s diverse communities,” he added.
Murals and sculptures along heritage streets like Jalan Panggong, he added, tell the city’s stories while fostering a sense of connection between its past and present.
Infrastructure like the Saloma Link blends modern design with cultural significance, offering both utility and a unique walking experience. Incorporating greenery into urban spaces enhances visual appeal, improves air quality, and creates a more comfortable environment.
Hamdan highlighted the concept of the 20-Minute City, which ensures residents can access essential services and amenities within a short walk, cycle, or public transport ride. He explained that features like wider pathways, tactile paving, ramps, and audible signals are being integrated to accommodate persons with disabilities.
Efforts to improve accessibility around key transport nodes, such as KL Sentral, further demonstrate how pedestrian-first solutions foster connectivity.
“Enhancing walkways leading to MRT, LRT, and bus stations encourages a shift away from car dependence, ultimately creating safer streets for all,” he said.
Hamdan also pointed to the role of awareness campaigns in promoting a walking culture.
“Educational initiatives targeting youth can instil the benefits of walking for health, sustainability, and community building,” he added.
Events such as car-free days and neighbourhood walking tours promote walking as a communal activity.
Technology also plays a role, with apps gamifying walking or providing real-time pedestrian-friendly routes. Projects like CheritAR use augmented reality to showcase Kuala Lumpur’s heritage, encouraging exploration on foot while fostering cultural appreciation.
Ultimately, Hamdan emphasised the importance of community involvement in driving this shift.
“By involving residents in co-creating pedestrian spaces, we not only ensure these spaces meet local needs but also foster a sense of ownership and pride,” he said.
Through collaborations and forward-thinking strategies, Kuala Lumpur is transforming into a city where walking is not only a necessity but a celebrated way of life.
