Bukit Bintang Set To Become Malaysia’s Own ‘Ginza’ Or ‘Orchard Road’ By 2026

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has announced plans to transform Bukit Bintang into Malaysia's version of Ginza or Orchard Road — the famed shopping districts of Japan and Singapore

According to FMT, Nga said the initiative is part of his ministry's 'I Lite U' project, carried out in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to make Bukit Bintang "more vibrant, colourful, and alive than ever before".

He said the effort is part of preparations for the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 tourism campaign.

"My mission is to make Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle, especially Bukit Bintang, no less than Ginza Street in Tokyo or Orchard Road in Singapore," he said during the project's soft launch at Pavilion KL.

Nga also revealed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will officiate the project's official launch on 3 January 2026, which will feature a parade along Bukit Bintang

"We will ask the police to close the Bukit Bintang road because we will be having a parade, one as good as Disneyland's," he said.

According to the New Straits Times, he explained that the 'I Lite U' project is an urban decorative lighting initiative, designed to strengthen Kuala Lumpur's night-time identity with artistic lighting that reflects Malaysian culture.

Kuala Lumpur Mayor Maimunah Sharif said the initiative also aims to improve tourist safety and boost the city's night-time economy, elevating its status to match global destinations like Tokyo and Dubai

"Tourists will enjoy a more lively and safe atmosphere, entrepreneurs will benefit from a planned night-time economy, and residents will witness the beauty of a city that reflects the dignity and identity of Malaysia," she said.

Tourism Malaysia is targeting 45 million visitor arrivals during the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.