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THE Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has identified “critical” failures in the planning and management of Kuala Lumpur’s land, raising alarm over the alienation of public and green reserve land to private developers in breach of the city’s gazetted Local Plan (PTKL).
PAC chair Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said the practice threatens the city’s ecological balance and residents’ quality of life, and reflects systemic weaknesses in Kuala Lumpur’s land use governance.
“There are weaknesses in the land development planning system in Kuala Lumpur, particularly regarding the rationale behind awarding high-density projects on open or green land,” she said in a statement issued Monday.
She noted that ongoing violations of the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan had led to uncontrolled development, prompting more parties to submit similar applications.
PAC found that decisions by the Federal Territory Land Working Committee on land alienation did not involve Members of Parliament representing the affected constituencies.
“The Federal Capital Act 1960 (Act 190) and the Planning Act 1982 (Act 267) confer full authority on the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur to control development within the city,” she said.
The findings were tabled in Parliament as part of PAC’s report on land development in Kuala Lumpur involving the Federal Territories Department (JWP), the Federal Director General of Lands and Mines Department (JKPTG), and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
Mas Ermieyati said land development decisions involved multiple agencies and committees, with evaluation processes differing depending on existing land regulations. One major concern was the continued use of a 30-year-old land premium formula, which has led to government land being sold well below market value.
“This outdated calculation method has resulted in significant potential losses to public assets. PAC notes that this formula will be reviewed and amended as needed,” she added.
The PAC also highlighted instances where land had been alienated to developers despite the presence of infrastructure belonging to the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS). In some cases, land applications by JPS had been rejected in favour of private entities.
One such case involved Lot 54780, a 0.86-acre site in Taman Desa initially reserved for a police station, which was granted to a developer despite government objections. Another involved the Kampung Bohol retention pond, where the views and objections of 1,275 residents were disregarded in favour of land alienation to private parties.
“These actions raise serious concerns regarding public consultation and administrative transparency,” she said.
In light of these findings, the PAC has called for broad reforms, including the establishment of a permanent committee to monitor land affairs in Kuala Lumpur. The committee would involve Federal Territories MPs to ensure oversight and accountability in decisions involving land alienation and development.
Mas Ermieyati also urged the government to revisit and amend the Federal Capital Act 1960 and the Planning Act 1982, proposing the introduction of a councillor appointment system for DBKL, similar to the one in place for state-level local authorities.
“The government must ensure that the sale of public land is carried out transparently, via open tender, and according to clear and comprehensive procedures – not through direct negotiations,” she said.
She further stressed the need to prepare Kuala Lumpur for worsening climate change impacts by ensuring all flood retention ponds meet the Average Recurrence Interval (ARI) standards set by JPS.
“Lands that house JPS infrastructure must be alienated to the department itself to preserve their original design and function,” she added.
PAC is scheduled to hold a briefing session in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday regarding Kuala Lumpur’s land development issues. The session will include debate from both government and opposition MPs. - August 25, 2025