The government has set aside RM1 million for the Downtown Kuala Lumpur Grants Programme 2026 to drive heritage preservation and revitalise the capital city, with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh stressing that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) must become a facilitator rather than a barrier to growth.
The programme offers grants of between RM30,000 and RM100,000 for each approved project, targeting local communities, entrepreneurs and creative arts practitioners.
Launching the initiative on Wednesday, Hannah said the success of Kuala Lumpur should not be measured solely by new developments but by its ability to attract people to live, work, invest and return to the city.
“Whenever I spend time in Kuala Lumpur, I am reminded that this part of the city tells two stories at once. One is the story of our past, and the other is the story we are still writing together,” she said.
She said the Ministry of Finance’s funding reflects the government’s commitment to making arts, culture and heritage key drivers of the domestic economy, adding that Kuala Lumpur’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City presents opportunities to create jobs, attract visitors and strengthen economic growth.
Hannah also reiterated her commitment to transforming DBKL into a more business-friendly and people-centric organisation.
“I don’t want people to see DBKL as a stumbling block. That image must be removed. DBKL must be a facilitator for this city to thrive,” she said.
Additionally, Hannah said Think City, the programme’s strategic partner, will announce the eligibility criteria for grant applications soon.
She encouraged individuals and organisations with innovative ideas to apply, expressing hope that the initiative would generate fresh projects capable of breathing new life into Kuala Lumpur’s historic city centre.
