Kuala Lumpur City Hall Approves New Rules for Delivery Riders, Greenlights Park Revitalisation Plan

KUALA LUMPUR, City Hall has officially passed a new set of regulations aimed at managing the growing number of food delivery riders and e-scooter operators in Kuala Lumpur’s busiest commercial districts. In the same sitting on Tuesday, council members also approved a long-term strategic framework for the revitalisation of public parks and green spaces across the city.

The two initiatives address some of the most visible changes in Kuala Lumpur’s urban fabric in recent years. The proliferation of delivery services has become a vital part of the local economy but has also led to persistent complaints from pedestrians and business owners regarding safety and congestion on sidewalks. Similarly, public demand for higher-quality, accessible green spaces has intensified, with community groups pushing for investment in neighbourhood parks that serve local families and residents.

New Guidelines for City Streets

The new transportation by-laws will directly affect thousands of gig economy workers and the companies that employ them. The regulations establish designated parking areas for delivery motorcycles and e-scooters in high-density zones, including the areas around Bukit Bintang and KLCC. The goal, according to documents outlining the policy, is to reduce the obstruction of pedestrian walkways and building entrances.

For residents and visitors, the measures are intended to improve public safety and the walkability of the city centre. The policy also introduces a formal licensing process for companies that operate shared e-scooter services. While advocates for riders have expressed concerns that new rules could complicate their work, urban planners suggest that formalising the system is a necessary step in integrating these services safely into the city’s transport network. The final regulations were shaped by a public feedback process held late last year.

A Framework for Greener Neighbourhoods

The second major item approved was the Urban Green Space Revitalisation Framework. This policy does not allocate a specific budget but creates an official roadmap for future investment in Kuala Lumpur’s parks. It identifies the need to upgrade facilities in older, established residential areas, which often have green spaces that lack modern amenities.

According to the framework's outline, future projects will prioritise improvements such as better public lighting, repaired and accessible footpaths, and the installation of basic outdoor fitness equipment. Community leaders from areas like Cheras and Wangsa Maju have previously campaigned for such upgrades, arguing they are crucial for public health, community bonding, and neighbourhood safety, particularly for seniors and families with young children.

Implementation of the transportation by-laws is expected to begin in stages over the next few months, starting with an educational campaign for riders and businesses. For the parks plan, City Hall is expected to announce the first round of community consultations before the end of the year to determine priorities for the initial phase of upgrades. Full details of the new regulations will be made available to the public once they are officially gazetted.