A concrete jungle or a future paradise?

• Main Author: Abu Bakar, Aniza
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Star Media Group Berhad 2024
• Subjects: H10 Societies
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/114066/2/114066_A%20concrete%20jungle%20or%20a%20future%20paradise.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/114066/; https://www.thestar.com.my/news/focus/2024/08/18/kl039s-choice-a-concrete-jungle-or-a-future-paradise

Kuala Lumpur, the bustling capital of Malaysia, is often celebrated for its rapid development and cosmopolitan appeal. Yet, beneath the gleaming skyscrapers and vibrant street life, the city teeters on the brink of a catastrophic crisis that could undermine its very foundation. As the city expands at a breakneck pace, it faces formidable challenges that threaten its sustainability and liveability, especially in the face of an aging population as the World Bank predicted that Malaysia would be a super-aged nation with 20 percent of its population aged 65 years and above and the relentless advance of climate change as by 2050, the temperature is expected to rise to 40.5 ℃. In facing this future, two glaring issues demand urgent attention, especially in a city such as Kuala Lumpur that is undergoing rapid urbanization process: the alarming lack of open space and the reckless overdevelopment of high-density areas. Addressing these crises is not just important; ensuring Kuala Lumpur does not spiral into urban chaos but remains a vibrant and inclusive city for all its residents is crucial.