The Kuala Lumpur Residents Action for Sustainable Development Association (KLRA+SD) has called on Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to publish formal participatory budgeting guidelines by Dec 31, 2026, following low public participation in consultations for the capital’s 2027 budget.
In a statement today, the residents’ group welcomed DBKL’s introduction of a Community Inclusive and Participatory Budget approach but said a clearer and more transparent framework was needed to ensure residents could meaningfully influence the city’s spending priorities.
KLRA+SD highlighted that only 122 people responded to DBKL’s citywide Budget 2027 survey, despite Kuala Lumpur having an estimated population of more than two million.
The survey was extended from April 30 to June 15 after receiving just 90 responses, with the additional period generating only 32 more submissions. The figures were also reported by The Star on Sept 17.
The association said the limited response raised concerns over whether the consultation adequately represented Kuala Lumpur’s diverse communities, particularly senior citizens, persons with disabilities and residents who may face difficulties participating in online surveys.
KLRA+SD also raised concerns over the selection of participants for DBKL’s Budget 2027 Focus Group Discussion held on Sept 8.
According to the group, feedback from the community suggested that many community leaders were unaware of the discussion.
It said some participants appeared to have been invited through their survey submissions, while others were connected through parliamentary offices, the Federal Territories Residents’ Representative Council or existing working relationships with DBKL.
The association stressed that these were legitimate stakeholders but called for a publicly disclosed methodology explaining how participants were identified and selected.
KLRA+SD said residents should not have to navigate different consultation arrangements each year without knowing when and how they can participate.
The group proposed that DBKL establish a permanent annual budget cycle covering the submission of ideas, public consultation, prioritisation, allocation, approval, implementation, expenditure and outcomes.
It also wants clear consultation timelines, transparent participation criteria and public reporting on how residents’ proposals influence budget decisions.
KLRA+SD said participatory budgeting should extend beyond collecting suggestions, allowing residents to track which proposals are incorporated into the approved budget, how much is allocated and what outcomes are achieved.
While acknowledging that the Budget 2027 preparation process is already underway, the association urged DBKL to publish the finalised budget with sufficient information for residents to understand the city’s spending allocations and priorities.
“A meaningful participatory budget cannot end with ‘we asked the community’,” the association said, adding that residents should be able to follow their proposals through to decisions, expenditure and outcomes.
