CITY Hall must extend the deadline for feedback on the KL Structure Plan 2040 from May to August to allow for more input from city folks, said the Save Kuala Lumpur Coalition (SKL).

The residents’ group told The Malaysian Insight the ongoing movement control order (MCO), in place until May 12, would not allow City Hall to properly conduct briefing sessions and gather feedback for the plan.

SKL deputy chairman Mumtaz Ali said that City Hall should extend the hearings by three months after the lifting of the MCO.

“Briefings, engagements and dialogues on the structure plans have not been done.

“It was supposed to take place earlier, but unfortunately, the MCO had started. So, we are requesting for an extension.”

On April 18, City Hall had extended the timeframe for feedback on the KL Structure Plan till May 18, due to the MCO.

City Hall advised city folks and stakeholders to send in their ideas and suggestions online.

The structure plan, launched in February, comprises the vision, objectives and strategic directions to guide the development of Kuala Lumpur for the next 20 years.

Mumtaz said the possibility that the MCO could be extended should be considered.

“This could happen, because the government does not want to have the mass Hari Raya exodus.

“This would mean City Hall will not be able to engage with the stakeholders as the deadline will be over.”

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday announced the loosening of the movement restrictions, although he gave no indication whether the MCO will be extended after May 12.

Mumtaz said that SKL is rejecting City Hall’s notice as there must be proper engagement and consultation before the closure of the structure plan.

“We are rejecting it, as our stand is very clear – extend the deadline to three months from when the MCO is fully lifted.

“There is no need to rush it through. This is Kuala Lumpur for all, so City Hall has to ensure that they get a cross-section of feedback. We don’t want any mess up.”

Mumtaz said he will send an official letter to City Hall next week about the extension.

SKL had earlier said City Hall’s method of obtaining feedback on the capital’s structure plans lacked transparency and meaningful public engagement.

It had also questioned its sincerity in inviting the public to comment on the plan when the report was full of technical details that laymen would likely not understand.

The MCO was enforced on March 18 to break the chain of Covid-19 infections, which has so far infected 6,071, and and killed 103. – May 2, 2020.