Better Walkways Ahead for Malaysia: Reclaiming Cities for People

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 — Amid the daily rush of traffic and honking cars, it’s easy to forget that cities were once built for people, not vehicles. Yet, quietly and steadily, Malaysia’s capital is rediscovering that the most liveable cities are those best experienced at walking pace.

For decades, Malaysia’s urban landscape has equated progress with speed — sprawling highways, towering flyovers, and endless car parks. But today, as sustainability and livability take centre stage, walkability is emerging as a new and meaningful benchmark for urban success.

The State of Walkability

Walking through Kuala Lumpur remains something of an adventure. Pavements appear and disappear without warning; crossings can be scarce, and many sidewalks suffer from poor maintenance or exposure to harsh tropical heat.

A study titled Comfort of Walking in the City Centre of Kuala Lumpur found that while residents appreciate the convenience of walking, their comfort is often compromised by uneven paths, limited shade, and disjointed routes.

Still, optimism is building. Urban planners, developers, and local councils increasingly see pedestrian mobility not as a luxury, but as essential infrastructure. Cities that are easy to walk in are also healthier, greener, and more economically resilient — supporting small businesses, tourism, and community vibrancy in ways car traffic never can.

Green Connectors: The City’s New Arteries

Among the most forward-thinking initiatives underway is the Kuala Lumpur Green Connector Network, designed to link neighbourhoods, parks, and landmarks through shaded pedestrian corridors. These walkways — often transformed from neglected back lanes — feature trees, benches, and lighting, making them both functional and inviting.

This project aligns with the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040, which envisions a connected, carbon-conscious city where pedestrians can move seamlessly between MRT and LRT stations and destinations like Bukit Bintang, Kampung Baru, and the River of Life promenade.

The revival of traditional five-foot ways — covered arcades lining older shopfronts — also plays a vital role. Once cluttered and ignored, many are now being restored and integrated into modern pedestrian networks, blending Kuala Lumpur’s heritage with contemporary mobility.

Why Walkability Matters

Walkability isn’t just about aesthetics. Globally, pedestrian-friendly cities rank higher in livability, health, and economic performance. A more walkable Kuala Lumpur would reduce congestion and emissions while making the city more attractive to tourists, investors, and residents alike.

Accessible walkways also promote inclusivity — benefiting seniors, children, and people with disabilities. A truly walkable city, in essence, is a fair and human-centred city.

As Astro Awani highlighted in its feature Walking Our Way Towards More Sustainable Cities, promoting walking and cycling as everyday transport helps reduce car dependency, improve air quality, and create more cohesive neighbourhoods.

Challenges on the Road (or Sidewalk)

Malaysia’s journey toward pedestrian-friendly cities isn’t without obstacles. Maintenance remains a major concern — a cracked pavement or obstructed path can undo years of planning. Fragmentation is another issue, with isolated upgrades failing to connect into a continuous network.

Cultural habits add complexity, as driving remains the default for many Malaysians after decades of car-oriented development. Shifting this mindset will require time, consistent policy, and incentives that reward sustainable choices.

Then there’s the tropical climate, where heat and sudden rain make shade, ventilation, and shelter non-negotiable. Covered walkways, tree canopies, and naturally cooled designs are essential for encouraging people to walk year-round.

A Smarter, More Integrated Approach

Urban experts advocate an integrated, long-term approach to pedestrian planning. Connectivity must come first — walkways should form a continuous network linking homes, offices, shops, and transit stations, not end abruptly at busy intersections.

Consistent design standards for width, gradient, materials, and accessibility can also raise overall quality, ensuring that sidewalks are safe for everyone. Maintenance, too, must be prioritized — supported by dedicated funding and accountability frameworks between local councils and property owners.

Businesses can also contribute through shared stewardship — maintaining walkways adjacent to their properties to instil civic pride and enhance street-level experience.

Finally, culture matters. Campaigns like car-free days, urban walking trails, and green tourism initiatives can help normalise walking as both a practical and enjoyable way to move through the city.

Lessons from Asia

Across Asia, cities are reclaiming streets for people. Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon Stream, once buried under an elevated highway, now flows through a 10-kilometre public park, drawing thousands of daily visitors. Singapore’s Park Connector Network and Bangkok’s Skywalk corridors show how even dense tropical cities can be made walkable through thoughtful design and connectivity.

These examples prove that walkability isn’t a luxury — it’s a long-term investment in liveability, identity, and economic growth.

A New Chapter for Malaysian Cities

Kuala Lumpur’s Green Connector Network and broader urban renewal projects signal a quiet but meaningful shift in Malaysia’s development narrative. The future city will not be measured solely by its highways or skyscrapers, but by how easily people can move — on foot — between work, leisure, and home.

As surrounding regions such as Bukit Jalil, Puchong, and the Subang area see rising interest in both commercial property and industrial land in Selangor, improved pedestrian infrastructure will only enhance these markets’ appeal — making them not just convenient, but genuinely liveable.

Ultimately, the journey toward better walkways is about rediscovering what cities are meant to be: places for people. When streets invite us to slow down, explore, and connect, walking ceases to be merely a way to get somewhere — it becomes a part of what makes being there worthwhile.