I LITE U: Kuala Lumpur Shines For VM2026

 Dear Readers,

 

 

 Discover I LITE U Lighting Project Enhancing Kuala Lumpur's Nightscape With Energy-Efficient Tech, Safer Walkways, And Boosted Tourism For Visit Malaysia 2026

 

 

Kuala Lumpur just got a new night story. 

 

On 3 January 2026, the Government launched I LITE U, a bold urban lighting initiative led by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. 

 

The launch at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Centre Court was officiated by Prime Minister YAB Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim and spotlighted by the presence of Tan Sri Dato' Seri Michelle Yeoh as a United Nations goodwill ambassador for road safety and the Sustainable Development Goals. 

 

 

Official "I LITE U" Launch Gimmick At Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Centre Court 

 

This is not just a lighting project, it's a statement of intent as Malaysia prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026.  

 

 

Opening Performance For The "I LITE U" Launching Event At Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Centre Court

 

What I LITE U Means? 

 

 

I LITE U stands for Infrastruktur, Lampu, Inovasi, Teknologi, Eko-mampan ke arah Urbanisasi. 

 

This project aims to beautify the city, improve safety, and boost Kuala Lumpur's global tourism appeal ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). 

 

 

YBhg. Tan Sri Dato Seri Michelle Yeoh Delivered Her Speech At I LITE U Launching Event. 

 

The government has set ambitious targets for VM2026: 28 million tourist arrivals and RM 76 billion in tourism revenue. 

 

I LITE U is one visible piece of the plan to help reach those goals. 

 

 

YAB Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim Delivered His Welcoming Speech At "I LITE U" Launching Event

 

 The Pilot And The Plan

 

The pilot zone is Bukit Bintang, chosen because it is the heartbeat of Kuala Lumpur's tourism, culture, and retail scene. 

The project has four core components: Gateway Lighting as an iconic entrance feature, an Arca of VM2026 as a commemorative sculpture, and upgrades to both existing and new pedestrian crossings with brighter, user-friendly illumination. 

 

 

The Arrival For The Parade At Pavilion Bukit Bintang

 

The lighting will be energy efficient and low carbon, aligning with SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities and the city's push toward greener urban design. 

 

The government plans to scale the I LITE U model to other major cities including Ipoh, George Town, Melaka and Johor Bahru to create a network of safer and more attractive urban centres. 

 

 

Colorful And Energetic Performance To Kick Start The Parade By Istana Budaya

 

Who's Behind It? 

 

 

 I LITE U is a public private collaboration. 

 

Lead agencies include the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), the Federal Territories Department (JWP), and Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL). 

 

Strategic private partners include Pavilion Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur City Centre (BBKLCC), Perbadanan PR1MA Malaysia, YTL Land and Grab Malaysia. 

 

 

Faizal Tahir Performed The Iconic Songs During The "I LITE U" Parade

 

The launch drew senior officials including YB Tuan Nga Kor Ming, YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Bin Johari, Minister of Youth and Sports, and Dato' TPr Fadlun bin Mak Ujud, the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, and senior ministry officials. 

 

KPKT itself comprises multiple departments and agencies that support urban services and housing, reinforcing that this is a coordinated effort across civic functions. 

 

 

Multiple Uniformed Department Joined The Parade During The Official Launch Of "I LITE U"

 

The Launch And Civic Momentum 

 

 

The launch was festive and civic minded. 

 

Cultural performances and a "Peranakan 16 Kontinjen Kuala Lumpur Bercahaya" marched along the route around the Pavilion. 

 

School contingents, uniformed agencies and community groups joined the parade, turning the lighting launch into a community celebration. 

 

 

DBKL Marching Band Performed At "I LITE U" Parade

 

Colorful Cultural Dance Performance That Showcases The Beauty Of Multiracial Malaysia

 

The event also underscored a linked civic reform: KPKT is enforcing a Community Service Order (Perintah Khidmat Masyarakat) effective 1 January 2026 to promote cleanliness and civic pride so the city remains welcoming for visitors.  

 

 

BOMBA STORM Showcase Their Adrenaline Thrilling Performance At The "I LITE U" Launching Event

 

How To Experience It 

 

 

See the full effect after dusk. Walk the corridor between Pavilion and surrounding streets to enjoy the gateway and the Arca. 

Time your visit with cultural programming and be ready for lively street scenes. 

 

Remember that the initiative is paired with a cleanliness campaign so treat the space with care. 

 

 

Plan Your Visit To Bukit Bintang To Experience The "I LITE U" For Visit Malaysia 2026

 

I LITE U is more than decorative lighting. It is a strategic, sustainable and community drive effort to reposition Kuala Lumpur for Visit Malaysia 2026 and beyond. 

 

It blends safety, aesthetics and low carbon technology while inviting residents and visitors to rediscover the city at night.  

 

If you are planning a 2026 itinerary, add an evening stroll through Bukit Bintang to your list and see how Kuala Lumpur is choosing to shine. 

 

 

Signing Off For Now And Take Care Till We e-Meet Again On My Next Post. 

For Collaboration or Any Inquiry, Feel Free To Email Me At kitkatnelfei@gmail.com.

Disclaimer: All images in this post are provided and credited to the event organizer.