Several residents’ groups have expressed hope that newly appointed federal territories minister Hannah Yeoh will prioritise the needs of city residents and push for sustainable development, as Kuala Lumpur continues to face mounting urban challenges.
Save Kuala Lumpur chairman M Ali welcomed Yeoh’s appointment, describing the Segambut MP as a proactive leader who engages closely with her constituents.
“Now we are hopeful that she will broaden her focus to include all the federal territories, especially by spending time in Kuala Lumpur to engage directly with the people,” he told FMT.
Ali urged Yeoh to prioritise long-standing reform issues, including the reinstatement of local council elections — a policy championed by DAP when it was in opposition — as well as the restoration of more than 52 water retention ponds, as previously directed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He added that the federal territories portfolio would present complex challenges, particularly in managing developers, vested interests and what he described as “hidden hands”.
“We wish her well and hope she remains focused on the needs of KL residents, without falling into traps set by developers or self-interested parties at the expense of the people,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Kuala Lumpur Residents Action for Sustainable Development Association (KLRA+SD) said Yeoh’s experience as Segambut MP would allow her to quickly grasp the capital’s issues.
Its honorary secretary, Joshua Low, warned that unsustainable development has pushed Kuala Lumpur beyond its carrying capacity, contributing to rising pollution, frequent flash floods and rapid biodiversity loss.
He stressed that residents’ voices must be genuinely considered in shaping the city’s future, calling for meaningful engagement rather than symbolic consultation.
“KLRA+SD looks forward to constructive engagement to improve wellbeing, inclusivity and sustainable development in Kuala Lumpur for the benefit of the rakyat,” Low said.
He also called for institutional reforms, including changes to Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) governance, to improve transparency, community participation and balanced decision-making.
Earlier today, Anwar announced a Cabinet reshuffle that saw Yeoh replace Dr Zaliha Mustafa as federal territories minister under the Prime Minister’s Department. Yeoh previously served as youth and sports minister, a post now held by Sungai Petani MP Dr Taufiq Johari.
