While idyllic from a distance, Kuala Lumpur’s skyline hides an ugly reality, with roofs stripped of paint, discolouration, and some vegetation, at odds with aspirations to creating a sustainable, healthy, and liveable urban environment. – Alif Omar/Scoop file pic, June 8, 2024
A not-so-nice view from the top – Ravindran Raman Kutty
Appalling upkeep of rooftops mar Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, Clean City Concept aspirations
Ravindran Raman Kutty
8 June, 2024
A not-so-nice view from the top – Ravindran Raman Kutty
Appalling upkeep of rooftops mar Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, Clean City Concept aspirations
Ravindran Raman Kutty
8 June, 2024
DURING a recent breakfast at a leading hotel next to the World Trade Centre (WTC) in Kuala Lumpur, I was greeted by an appalling sight. Despite the bright, seamless morning traffic, the view from the 30th floor was distressing.
Overlooking the roofs of several shophouses, mid-size office buildings, and hotels, the roofs were stripped of paint, had algae on them while the tiles were also discoloured. There were even shrubs growing in the corners.
This neglected skyline starkly contrasts with the aspirations of Kuala Lumpur’s Clean City Concept, which aims to create a sustainable, healthy, and liveable urban environment.
The current state of our city’s rooftops undermines our goals for waste management and recycling, air quality improvement, water management, sustainable urban planning, public awareness and engagement, and technological integration, which are the pillars of the Clean City Concept.
This concept is under the emerging new cities concept, adopted globally.
Reflecting on my visit to Singapore, where I stayed in a hotel overlooking Serangoon Road, I was impressed by the immaculate condition of the roofs, of every structure whose roofs were visible to anyone viewing from the 20th floor of the hotel.
How can Singapore and Malaysia, sharing the same tropical climate, present such different visual narratives?
A conversation with a Singapore Housing Board officer revealed their practical strategies:
1. Regular cleaning schedules: strict schedules prevent the buildup of dirt, debris, and algae.
2. High-quality materials: buildings use materials resistant to stain and discolouration.
3. Professional cleaning services: investments in professional cleaning ensure efficient maintenance.
4. Green initiatives: rooftop gardens and green roofs enhance aesthetics and air quality.
5. Innovative technologies: self-cleaning coatings and automated systems minimise manual cleaning.
6. Community involvement: initiatives encourage residents to participate in maintaining cleanliness.
7. Enforcement of regulations: strict adherence to maintenance guidelines ensures clean roofs.
Why does Kuala Lumpur lag despite similar weather conditions and potential? Is it budget constraints, ignorance, apathy, or are we waiting to host another international event before cleaning up?
The Clean City Concept risks remaining a mere concept if we focus solely on new skyscrapers while neglecting cleanliness. We must ensure every detail, from road shoulders to rooftops, meets high standards.
We should learn from our neighbours. Adopting Singapore’s strategies requires conviction, commitment, and passion. We, the citizens, too, must play a role by voicing concerns and providing feedback to keep the authorities accountable.
Implementing practical strategies similar to Singapore’s will help us achieve a truly clean, liveable, and admirable Kuala Lumpur.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) should urgently address this issue. Anyone on the 35th floor of the DBKL building in Jalan Raja Laut would undoubtedly notice the neglected roofs of the shophouses and buildings, which perfectly illustrate the problem at hand.
Let’s take action now to ensure our city reflects the Clean City Concept not just in theory, but in practice too. – June 8, 2024
Overlooking the roofs of several shophouses, mid-size office buildings, and hotels, the roofs were stripped of paint, had algae on them while the tiles were also discoloured. There were even shrubs growing in the corners.
This neglected skyline starkly contrasts with the aspirations of Kuala Lumpur’s Clean City Concept, which aims to create a sustainable, healthy, and liveable urban environment.
The current state of our city’s rooftops undermines our goals for waste management and recycling, air quality improvement, water management, sustainable urban planning, public awareness and engagement, and technological integration, which are the pillars of the Clean City Concept.
This concept is under the emerging new cities concept, adopted globally.
Reflecting on my visit to Singapore, where I stayed in a hotel overlooking Serangoon Road, I was impressed by the immaculate condition of the roofs, of every structure whose roofs were visible to anyone viewing from the 20th floor of the hotel.
How can Singapore and Malaysia, sharing the same tropical climate, present such different visual narratives?
A conversation with a Singapore Housing Board officer revealed their practical strategies:
1. Regular cleaning schedules: strict schedules prevent the buildup of dirt, debris, and algae.
2. High-quality materials: buildings use materials resistant to stain and discolouration.
3. Professional cleaning services: investments in professional cleaning ensure efficient maintenance.
4. Green initiatives: rooftop gardens and green roofs enhance aesthetics and air quality.
5. Innovative technologies: self-cleaning coatings and automated systems minimise manual cleaning.
6. Community involvement: initiatives encourage residents to participate in maintaining cleanliness.
7. Enforcement of regulations: strict adherence to maintenance guidelines ensures clean roofs.
Why does Kuala Lumpur lag despite similar weather conditions and potential? Is it budget constraints, ignorance, apathy, or are we waiting to host another international event before cleaning up?
The Clean City Concept risks remaining a mere concept if we focus solely on new skyscrapers while neglecting cleanliness. We must ensure every detail, from road shoulders to rooftops, meets high standards.
We should learn from our neighbours. Adopting Singapore’s strategies requires conviction, commitment, and passion. We, the citizens, too, must play a role by voicing concerns and providing feedback to keep the authorities accountable.
Implementing practical strategies similar to Singapore’s will help us achieve a truly clean, liveable, and admirable Kuala Lumpur.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) should urgently address this issue. Anyone on the 35th floor of the DBKL building in Jalan Raja Laut would undoubtedly notice the neglected roofs of the shophouses and buildings, which perfectly illustrate the problem at hand.
Let’s take action now to ensure our city reflects the Clean City Concept not just in theory, but in practice too. – June 8, 2024
Ravindran Raman Kutty is a seasoned communications practitioner and community leader with a focus on sustainable development and the environment
No local elections and NO accountability
ReplyDeleteAnd Jabba the Hut sapu one billiona, easy peasy
All down to malay greed