KUALA LUMPUR City Hall (DBKL) has introduced a placemaking initiative aimed at rehabilitating neighbourhoods in the capital that have become notorious for prostitution and other illicit activities.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the effort involves identifying locations in the city centre widely known as hubs for such activities and redesigning them to attract legitimate public use.
“In addition, we have programmes actively under way to encourage the public to carry out healthy activities in these areas,” she said at the launch of the Zero Waste Campaign at a Kuala Lumpur shopping centre recently.
“The implementation of these programmes is expected to reduce immoral activities such as prostitution,” she added.
Dr Zaliha said DBKL is also supported by a dedicated enforcement unit, the KL Strike Force, which works closely with the Royal Malaysia Police and the Immigration Department to curb vice operations.
“When a complaint is received, we take immediate action to ensure all reports, especially those related to prostitution, are addressed promptly in order to reduce immoral activities,” she said.
“In conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, we will ensure these measures continue so that such activities are minimised.”
At the same time, she noted, authorities aim to enhance visitor confidence. “We also want to encourage tourists coming to Malaysia to feel safer and healthier when they visit Kuala Lumpur,” she said. - December 8, 2025
