KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur will be a city with more soul, culture, and vibrancy over the next three months as the Kuala Lumpur Creative Festival (Kreatif KL) takes place, moving the city closer to becoming a world-class cultural hub.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the festival demonstrates the government's commitment to transforming Kuala Lumpur into a modern city that prioritises culture and arts alongside infrastructure development.
"One of the main goals of this festival is to revitalise urban areas that hold historical and cultural value. Through sustainable urban planning, we can breathe new life into these areas, transforming them into vibrant and eco-friendly cultural hubs.
"Areas like the Civic Precinct, Traditional Retail Precinct, Heritage Triangle Precinct, Petaling Street Precinct, and the Merdeka 118 area are prime examples of how we can rejuvenate old spaces while preserving the unique cultural characteristics that define them.
"This initiative aligns with the Chase City vision I introduced earlier this year, which is currently being implemented in the Federal Territories," she said at the Kreatif KL launch ceremony today.
The Kreatif KL initiative is dedicated to restoring the capital's glory, rekindling national pride, and positioning downtown Kuala Lumpur as a vibrant hub for visitors, businesses, and investors through collaborative activities, transforming it into a creative, liveable, and thriving centre.
Also in attendance were Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif and Think City managing director Hamdan Abdul Majeed, who is also the event organiser.
Dr Zaliha added that the festival aligns with the aspirations of the Madani Economic Framework, which emphasises sustainability, inclusive growth, and progressive development.
She said that the creativity celebrated in this festival proves that art and sustainability can come together to shape a competitive and sustainable city.
"The creative economy plays a significant role in the country's growth, contributing approximately RM29 billion to Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP). Hosting festivals like this further strengthens Kuala Lumpur's position as a global creative hub, where creativity drives economic development while preserving cultural heritage and the environment.
"As we approach Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Malaysia aims to attract 35.6 million tourists with an expected tourism revenue of RM147.1 billion. However, our primary goal is to ensure this growth is sustainable, with economic benefits accompanied by a strong commitment to preserving cultural heritage and natural sustainability.
"Imagine a city where art is not only displayed in galleries but also found on every street corner; where technological innovation meets modern needs while preserving beauty and heritage. Kuala Lumpur, through this festival, shows how art and sustainability can unite to create a more sustainable and competitive city," she added.
She said that the festival would feature talents from both local and international artists.
"With over 100 events planned over the three months of this festival, I see great potential for interaction between various art practitioners, sparking new ideas and further enriching the creative landscape of this city.
"This festival inspires the younger generation to pursue careers in the creative industry, and I am confident they will take their creativity to the global stage. With vast opportunities available, this is their chance to help transform Kuala Lumpur into a world-class cultural hub," she said.
Dr Zaliha also stated that the ministry is working to integrate creativity and innovation in the city through the Kuala Lumpur Creative and Cultural District (KLCCD) initiative, which aims to preserve heritage areas while adopting green development practices.
Meanwhile, in her speech at the same event, Maimunah said that Kreatif KL is just the first step towards reviving Kuala Lumpur as a global city.