KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur can be returned to Selangor to create a "mega metropolis", proposes Lee Chean Chung.

Lee (PH-Petaling Jaya) said that this would allow for improved urban development and improve the standard of living in the Klang Valley.

"I would like to propose a mega metropolis by having the city returned to Selangor.

"This would ease development and allow for better planning," he said when debating the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review in Parliament on Wednesday (Sept 13).

The reunification of the Federal territory with the state could see an increase in land banks which could be used to provide more affordable homes.

"This might be a radical idea but it should not be forgotten that Kuala Lumpur was once the Selangor capital," he said.

He added that the amalgamation would see Selangor becoming a more robust economic powerhouse for the nation which could compete with other megacities in the region.

"Imagine the economic synergy we can create by combining Kuala Lumpur and Selangor," he said, adding that Putrajaya could remain as the administrative centre for the nation.

Kuala Lumpur achieved city status on Feb 1, 1972 before becoming a Federal territory a year later on Feb 1, 1974.

The city, which comprises 11 parliamentary constituencies, currently comes under the administration of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

Lee said the reunification of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor would also see residents having a second vote during the state election.

He added that residents would also be able to enjoy the welfare benefits offered by the state government Selangor, including 40 other incentives.