Hannah Yeoh: Smart city solutions, bus hub among plans to ease Bukit Jalil concert traffic

Bukit Jalil, a bustling hub for events and concerts, has become notorious for traffic congestion, particularly during large-scale gatherings. In response, the government is exploring smart city solutions and refining its traffic management plans to alleviate the issue. Hannah Yeoh, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), revealed that Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud has appointed consultants to conduct a micro-traffic management study in Bukit Jalil, with the target completion date of the first quarter of 2027.

The study aims to address the unique traffic challenges posed by the area, as it experiences congestion even hours before concerts commence.

The traffic management plan for Bukit Jalil is expected to be completed by February 2027 and audited by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for effectiveness. Hannah highlighted the importance of implementing long-term solutions, including discussions with the Digital Ministry to explore smart city opportunities and with Prasarana Malaysia Bhd (Prasarana) to investigate enhancing public transport access to Bukit Jalil, potentially through a bus transit hub connected to the proposed Mass Rapid Transit 3 (MRT3) project.

Meanwhile, the development of Bandar Madani Bukit Jalil, which includes affordable housing, schools, and other facilities, requires pre-existing or concurrent infrastructure to meet residents' needs. Four planning approvals have been granted, with DBKL acting as the approving authority to ensure compliance with the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan (PTKL) 2040. Additionally, the Kuala Lumpur Mayor is monitoring the development to guarantee the provision of necessary infrastructure alongside the project's progress.

In a separate initiative, DBKL plans to construct 22 km of pedestrian walkways across parliamentary constituencies in the capital, with an RM55 million budget. The project, set to commence in January 2027, will involve two-kilometre walkways in each constituency, with the expected completion date in the third quarter of the following year.

Currently, there are no ongoing pedestrian walkway projects. Furthermore, DBKL is planning an additional 20 km of covered pedestrian walkways in central Kuala Lumpur to connect public transport facilities with commercial centers, office complexes, recreational areas, the Botanical Gardens, and Titiwangsa Lake Gardens.