Minister Hannah Yeoh Pledges RM20,000 to PAM: A Catalyst for Revitalising Kuala Lumpur's Public Spaces and Inclusive Urban Design
In a forward-thinking move to accelerate Kuala Lumpur's transformation into a more liveable and people-centred city, Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh has pledged RM20,000 to Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) to support collaborative efforts in revitalising public spaces. Announced during the launch of the Kuala Lumpur Architectural Festival (KLAF) 2026 at REXKL, this funding underscores a strong invitation for architects, designers, and related professionals to partner with authorities on practical, community-responsive improvements.
Minister Yeoh highlighted the limited window for impact—typically 12 to 20 months in her role—and issued a direct call: “I make this public call to all of you, especially PAM, to walk alongside me in shaping Kuala Lumpur for the next 24 months to reimagine public space.” She stressed that turning Kuala Lumpur around requires collective action, not solo efforts from government alone.
Key focus areas include:
- Redesigning public housing to make it more functional and affordable, especially for those unable to engage private architects.
- Upgrading public toilets to better serve tourists, locals, women, and diverse users.
- Introducing public shower facilities to promote healthier, active lifestyles and encourage greater use of urban amenities.
These priorities align closely with broader goals of creating inclusive, equitable environments that benefit residents and visitors alike. Improved public facilities contribute to universal access by incorporating features like adequate space, non-slip surfaces, clear signage, and family-friendly options—essential for persons with disabilities, the elderly, families, and all community members.
KLAF 2026: A Nationwide Platform for Meaningful Architecture
The pledge supports KLAF 2026, a year-long festival themed “Future Culture,” which extends beyond architects to engage local residents, students, creatives, businesses, and communities. PAM President Adrianta Aziz noted: “KLAF2026 is not a festival for architects alone. We seek to involve local residents, students, creatives, businesses and communities because meaningful architecture emerges when it responds to real people and real places.”
The festival features competitions such as the Batik Design Competition, HP DPI Photography Competition, Installation Competition, Titiwangsa Pavilion 3.0 Competition, and Brown-Build Urban Renewal Ideas Competition. It includes a nationwide tour involving PAM chapters in Terengganu, Johor, and Penang, plus the flagship Datum KL international architectural design conference from July to August 2026 at MITEC.
This initiative not only addresses immediate urban challenges but also inspires young Malaysians to pursue architecture careers, fostering long-term talent in sustainable and inclusive design.
Linking to Visit Malaysia 2026 and Inclusive Tourism Growth
With Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) actively promoting sustainable tourism and enhanced accessibility—targeting millions of visitors—the revitalisation of Kuala Lumpur's public spaces gains added urgency. Better public toilets, housing, and facilities directly support tourism goals by making the city more welcoming and navigable for diverse travellers, including those with mobility needs.
This momentum complements recent civil society calls for a dedicated walkability, universal access, and connectivity committee in Kuala Lumpur, highlighting the need for barrier-free pedestrian networks. Minister Yeoh's collaboration with PAM provides a practical pathway to integrate universal design principles into these upgrades, ensuring compliance with Malaysian standards (e.g., MS1184) and international best practices.
Opportunities for Architects and Disability Access Consultants
Minister Yeoh's pledge and KLAF 2026 create tangible opportunities for professionals in:
- Architectural design focused on public space revitalisation, affordable housing, and inclusive amenities.
- Disability access consulting to conduct audits, recommend universal access features (ramps, tactile paving, grab bars, sensory elements), and ensure user-tested solutions.
- Collaborative projects with PAM, DBKL, developers, and tourism stakeholders to embed accessibility from the outset.
In Malaysia, where respectful, context-sensitive approaches are valued, experts can lead by offering practical, inclusive solutions that enhance liveability for all without cultural imposition.
At AccessConsultants.Asia, we bring specialised expertise in disability access consulting and architectural accessibility solutions across Malaysia, Sydney, and our emerging Perth market. Our focus on user-centred, culturally attuned universal design positions us ideally to support these initiatives—whether through audits, design input for public facilities, or VM2026-aligned projects.
If you're an architect, developer, PAM member, local authority, or tourism stakeholder interested in contributing to Kuala Lumpur's revitalisation, contact us today. Let's collaborate to reimagine public spaces that are truly inclusive, sustainable, and welcoming—one thoughtful upgrade at a time.