The government has allocated RM1 million under the Downtown Kuala Lumpur Grants Programme 2026 to support heritage conservation, arts and urban revitalisation projects aimed at breathing new life into the capital city.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the programme will provide grants ranging from RM30,000 to RM100,000 for each approved project, benefiting local communities, entrepreneurs and creative industry practitioners.
Launching the initiative on Wednesday, Hannah said Kuala Lumpur is a city that reflects both its rich history and its future ambitions.
She stressed that the city’s success should not be measured solely by new developments, but also by whether people continue choosing to live, work, invest and return to the capital.
“The success of Kuala Lumpur will not only be measured by new development, but by whether people continue choosing to live here, work here, invest here and return here,” she said.
Hannah added that funding from the Ministry of Finance demonstrates the government’s commitment to making arts, culture and heritage important drivers of Malaysia’s domestic economy.
She noted that Kuala Lumpur’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City highlights the role of culture not only in preserving history, but also in creating jobs, attracting tourists and strengthening economic growth.
The minister also reiterated her commitment to transforming Kuala Lumpur City Hall into a more business-friendly and people-focused local authority.
“I want DBKL to be seen as a facilitator, not a stumbling block. That perception must change if we want Kuala Lumpur to continue thriving,” she said.
Speaking to reporters after the launch, Hannah revealed that the eligibility criteria and application guidelines for the grant programme will be announced soon by Think City, the programme’s strategic partner.
She encouraged individuals, organisations and creative groups with innovative ideas to apply, expressing hope that the initiative would generate fresh projects capable of revitalising Kuala Lumpur’s city centre.
