Elyas Omar, the previous mayor of Kuala Lumpur, proposed that a subterranean metropolis should be built in Kampung Baru, reported Bernama.
Given the limited land as well as the area’s growing population and rapid development, constructing an underground city is a good alternative to building on land.
“Buildings below ground level can be up to two to three storeys and can house offices, malls and parking lots. Naturally an effective ventilation system will be needed,” he said.
“With activities like shopping and movement of vehicles going below ground level, land above can be developed to be green lungs for recreation activities by city dwellers.”
On transportation, Elyas urged the government to expand the Light Transit Train (LRT) system to cover the entire capital so that more people will use it, improving Kuala Lumpur’s traffic situation.
“Underground trains should be moving all the time to link city folks from one area to another without heavily depending on cars,” noted Elyas, the mayor of Kuala Lumpur between 1983 to 1992.
He also suggested that the roads above the subterranean metropolis should be removed as land is scarce in Kampung Baru. “On top of the underground city, there should be no roads and traffic should go underground with the construction of good air ventilation system.”
However, building underground requires careful planning, especially in regards to the drainage system and flood management.
“Planning for the underground drainage system should be meticulous to ensure smooth drainage of water underground into rivers and canals to overcome flood problems,” Elyas explained.
Moreover, he called on Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to look into redevelopment of old buildings in Kampung Baru, while homes and buildings with important architectural features from the past should be preserved.
“Old traditional houses with no historical value should be demolished and modern Malay traditional houses could be built underground and turned into chalets or hotels.”
Meanwhile, Elyas urged DBKL officials to prioritise the construction of low-cost homes in the city.
“It is my wish to have more people living in the city and I do not want to see a dead city such as Chicago. That is why I encourage affordable condominiums to be built in the city,” he added.
Image sourced from The Star
Radin Ghazali, Content Writer at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact her about this or other stories email radin@propertyguru.com.my
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