Govt to woo 200 MNCs to set up KL office by 2020

KUALA LUMPUR: The government plans to attract at least 200 multi-national companies (MNCs) to set up office in Kuala Lumpur by 2020, mainly in the Greater Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley conurbation.

"To achieve the target, it is crucial that the public buy in to the Greater KL plan, which aims to improve the livability of the city,” said Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin at a press conference after opening the second World Class Sustainable Cities 2010 (WCSC) international conference on Tuesday, Oct 19.

"The government recognises that livable cities are cities that are vibrant and attractive places to live, work and play," said Raja Nong Chik. "In today's global and mobile economy, people have many options as to where to live and work. The attractiveness of cities is strongly related to their livability. It has been observed that wealthy cities are also cities that typically perform better in measures of livability."

A good public transport system is a major factor in creating livable cities hence the minister said improving public transport not only improves mobility, but also accessibility and connectivity, he said. This includes pedestrian linkages and universal design principles that include the needs of the disabled and the elderly.

The WCSC 2010 — which sports the theme "Going for Growth, Engaging the People" — is jointly organised by the Real Estate and Housing Developers Association (Rehda) Wilayah Persekutuan (KL) Branch, the Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP) and the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM), with the endorsement of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).