by Theleaders | August 13, 2026 1:26 pm
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 — Historic Medan Pasar in downtown Kuala Lumpur is set for a revamp aimed at improving rainwater management and public accessibility while preserving its heritage identity, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said today.
In a Facebook post, Yeoh said the project is a collaboration between Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Yayasan Creador, with the public space to be made more open, accessible and welcoming to the community.
“This project embraces Nature-based Solutions, with improved rainwater management.”
“It is part of our wider effort to build a more climate-resilient Kuala Lumpur — a Sponge City that is better prepared for heavy rain and a changing climate,” she said.
Yeoh said the revamp is intended to go beyond beautification by creating a public space that better serves residents, strengthens the community and makes the city more liveable.
Medan Pasar, formerly known as Old Market Square, was one of Kuala Lumpur’s earliest commercial centres and remains a historic square anchored by its clock tower, built in 1937 to commemorate the coronation of King George VI.
The area is also among the key sites identified under Warisan KL, a national urban rejuvenation initiative aimed at breathing new life into Kuala Lumpur’s historic core through heritage and culture.
Creador Foundation has previously been involved in heritage-linked projects around Medan Pasar, including revitalising a corner lot in a row of old shophouses that included Sin Seng Nam, while its Muara Arts modern and contemporary arts centre is expected to open later this decade.
The latest project also dovetails with DBKL’s wider push to turn Kuala Lumpur into a “sponge city”, an urban model that Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud said in April was designed to better absorb rainwater, reduce flood risks and mitigate rising temperatures.
Source URL: https://theleaders-online.com/medan-pasar-set-for-climate-resilient-revamp-under-kl-sponge-city-push-says-hannah-yeoh/
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