THE Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) has urged local authorities to act swiftly in beautifying and upgrading tourist hotspots in the capital to ensure Kuala Lumpur remains attractive and ready to welcome visitors ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Motac Secretary-General Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot said the improvements should cover repairs to pedestrian walkways and lighting, as well as the repainting of faded buildings and public facilities in popular areas such as Little India in Brickfields and Jalan Alor.
“Small issues such as dim lights or broken cement cannot be left too long because they will eventually spoil the view and pose a danger to tourists,” he said after a walkabout with the Kuala Lumpur Tourism Association (KLTA) around Little India and Jalan Alor on Wednesday night.
“Even though they are small, if they go viral on social media, they can affect our image,” he added.
The inspection programme was held to evaluate cleanliness, maintenance, and overall appeal in major tourism zones, while gathering feedback from traders and local communities on issues affecting the visitor experience.
According to Shaharuddin, traders and industry representatives highlighted the need for enhanced beautification along tourist routes, the replacement of non-functioning lights, fresh coats of paint, and upgrades to facilities such as rest areas and directional signage.
He said Motac had allocated RM80 million this year to assist local authorities nationwide in upgrading tourism infrastructure, including the refurbishment of facilities in key visitor areas. -November 13, 2025
