“I Lite U” strengthens Kuala Lumpur’s image as a world-class tourism destination

Kuala Lumpur’s Bukit Bintang was lit up on Jan 3, 2026 with glittering lights with the launch of “I Lite U” urban decorative lighting project, officiated by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“I Lite U” stands for Infrastructure, Lights, Innovation, Technology, Sustainable Eco towards Urbanisation. The initiative aims to beautify the cityscape and enhance the Kuala Lumpur’s global tourism attractiveness in support of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026) which targets 28 million tourist arrivals and RM76 billion in national revenue.

The “I Lite U” project aims to strengthen Kuala Lumpur’s nighttime identity as a world-class tourist destination while supporting tourism promotion efforts throughout 2026.

The project spans nearly one kilometre of Bukit Bintang, one of the city’s main tourism and entertainment districts, and features energy-efficient LED lighting to enhance the beauty of the urban landscape.  

The launch ceremony was also attended by Oscar-winning actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh.

Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud as well as senior ministry officials.

The project is jointly organised by the Housing and Local Government Ministry, Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, the Federal Territories Department and Kuala Lumpur City Hall, with strategic support from Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Perbadanan PR1MA Malaysia, YTL Land and Grab Malaysia.

According to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, the modern lighting infrastructure not only enhances the aesthetic value of the city, but also strengthens aspects of public safety, pedestrian comfort and boosts local economic activities.

The government also aims to expand the “I Lite U” model to other major cities such as Ipoh, George Town, Melaka and Johor Baru to create urban environments that are more friendly, safe and internationally competitive.

The selection of Bukit Bintang as the pilot location is appropriate as it is the heart of tourism, culture and the economy of Kuala Lumpur.

In addition to beautifying the city, the project uses energy-efficient and environmentally friendly lighting technology thus supporting the low-carbon urban agenda.

The launch of “I Lite U” was also enlivened with a cultural parade along Jalan Bukit Bintang, which proceeded from outside Pavilion Kuala Lumpur to the front of Federal Hotel, covering a distance of nearly one kilometer.

The parade featured a slew of cultural performances, including traditional Malay dance, lion and dragon dances, bhangra dance, kompang silat performance, traditional Portuguese dance, marching bands and stilt walkers.

VM2026 sun bear mascots, Wira and Manja, also joined the parade, along with singer Faizal Tahir who performed atop a Hop-On Hop-Off bus.

Thousands of locals and foreign tourists lined both sides of the street to catch the best views of the parade and capture memorable photos or videos.