Kuala lumpur: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will channel RM500 million from its internal funds to upgrade hawker and public housing facilities, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, also the Finance Minister, stated that RM200 million of the total would be allocated for redeveloping ageing hawker centres, markets, and food courts, while RM300 million would be used for the maintenance of People's Housing Project (PPR) buildings, including wiring and roads.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar mentioned observing frequent lift problems during a recent visit to Pantai Dalam and has instructed DBKL to complete all lift repair works by the end of the year. The government is also allocating RM60 million to construct stalls and refurbish public markets across various local councils. Furthermore, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) will upgrade 363 business premises nationwide, benefiting 7,300 entrepreneurs with an allocation of nearly RM50 million.
Anwar made these announcements while presenting Budget 2026, themed Belanjawan MADANI Keempat: Belanjawan Rakyat (Fourth MADANI Budget: A Budget for the People), in the Dewan Rakyat. He also disclosed that the government is providing an initial RM5 million matching grant to encourage private sector participation, philanthropists, and heritage experts in rejuvenating Muzium Negara, with cash donations to the Malaysian Museums Department Trust Account eligible for tax deductions.
Khazanah Nasional Bhd (Khazanah) is investing RM600 million in conservation works at Carcosa Seri Negara, with Warisan KL's initiative now including conservation efforts at the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station and the Dayabumi Complex. Anwar highlighted the historical significance of Carcosa Seri Negara, a symbol of the nation's dignity and sovereignty, and mentioned the Sultan Abdul Samah Building's historical role concerning the Malay Rulers and the lowering of the Union Jack.
Additionally, Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB)'s Merdeka 118 development will feature the opening of the Textile Museum next year, showcasing Malay textiles, alongside the restoration of Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara. Anwar expressed gratitude to Khazanah, PNB, Petronas, and the Railway Asset Corporation (RAC) for their dedication to preserving Kuala Lumpur. The Warisan KL initiative aims to revitalize the city's essence, not only by conserving historical buildings but also by rejuvenating Kuala Lumpur as a cultural, economic, and aspirational hub.