KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 — The government has allocated a total of RM1 million for the Downtown Kuala Lumpur Grants Programme 2026 to support heritage preservation and the rejuvenation of the city centre. 

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the urban revitalisation programme offers grants ranging from RM30,000 to RM100,000 for each approved project to benefit local communities, entrepreneurs and creative art practitioners. 

“Whenever I spend time in Kuala Lumpur, I am reminded that this part of the city tells two stories at once. One is the story of our past, and the other is the story we are still writing together. 

“The success of Kuala Lumpur will therefore not be measured only by new development. It will be measured by whether people continue choosing to live here, work here, invest here and return here. That is the city and the Kuala Lumpur we will build together,” she said when launching the programme here today. 

Hannah said the funding from the Ministry of Finance ensures that arts, culture and heritage become key drivers of the domestic economy. 

“Kuala Lumpur’s recognition as a Unesco Creative City reminds us that culture is not only about preserving our past. It is also about the creation of jobs, attracting visitors and strengthening our economy,” she said. 

According to Hannah, she prioritised her commitment to transforming Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) into a true facilitator to allow the federal capital’s economy to thrive. 

“And I envision DBKL to be a really friendly face. When everyone thinks about DBKL, I don’t want you to see DBKL as a stumbling block. That image of DBKL as a stumbling block must be removed. DBKL must be a facilitator for this city to thrive,” she said. 

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Hannah said the eligibility criteria for the fund applications would soon be announced by Think City, the strategic partner coordinating the programme.

“I hope all interested parties, especially those with fresh ideas, will apply. Think City will provide the full criteria, and I look forward to collaborating to generate new ideas that will breathe new life into Kuala Lumpur,” she said. — Bernama