24/03/2025

MONDAY | MAR 24, 2025

READ OUR

HERE

2

Malaysian Paper

/thesun

PM extends birthday wishes to Johor Ruler KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim in conjunction with His Majesty’s official birthday yesterday. He also prayed for Sultan Ibrahim, who is also the King of Malaysia, and the entire royal family to always be blessed with Allah’s mercy and guidance as well as to remain in good health, prosperity and sovereignty. “With utmost respect to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the Sovereign Ruler of the State and

Ho, however, declined to speculate on the potential gentrification effects of redevelopment projects in prime urban areas. “Gentrification has been raised as an issue, but we need to base our assessment on actual projects before determining whether it is a real concern or merely perception. The government will certainly introduce a legal framework to manage this.” He said both the federal and state governments have previously collaborated with developers to build affordable housing for the people. – By IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE Sultan Nazrin accepts RM3.56m in business zakat IPOH: The Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah accepted business zakat payments totalling RM3,566,854 from five corporate companies on behalf of the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council, at Istana Iskandariah, Kuala Kangsar yesterday. The council’s CEO Syamsul Hazeman Md Salleh said the zakat handover was led by Lumut Maritime Terminal Sdn Bhd CEO Datuk Mubarak Ali Gulam Rasul on behalf of the company with a contribution of RM1,499,192. He said in a statement that Puncak Emas Infra Sdn Bhd CEO Mesnor Bujang presented RM1,034,000 and the Royal College of Medicine Perak CEO and campus head Hisshamuddin Omar gave RM400,000. “TM Technology Services Sdn Bhd, represented by TM ONE northern region business general manager Ahmad Nazri Ambi, contributed RM509,262, while Zaman Motors Sdn Bhd director Datuk Khadri Khalid presented RM124,400.” – Bernama Info on Asean halal logos shared via TikTok video KUALA LUMPUR: The halal logos used by Asean countries were shown by the Foreign Ministry in a short video on the TikTok platform, to enable Muslim consumers to identify valid and trusted logos while travelling to neighbouring countries. The one-minute and 16-second video begins with the call, “let’s get to know the halal logos in Asean countries”, and showcases the logos from countries such as Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Emphasis is also given to Malaysia’s halal logo, which is described as a global benchmark. “The Malaysian halal logo is not just a mark, but a symbol of global trust,” the video states. It is recognised by more than 80 international halal bodies, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, Japan and South Korea. Malaysia’s halal certification, issued by the Islamic Development Department, is also highlighted as being subject to a strict and comprehensive process. “Each certification undergoes an audit from raw materials to production, ensuring compliance with syariah principles and hygiene.” The ministry added that halal logos from Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia have yet to receive recognition from the department. This initiative aligns with Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation through halal diplomacy and providing useful information to the public, especially those who frequently visit Asean countries. – Bernama

Territories of Johor Darul Ta’zim, the King, I extend my highest congratulations on the occasion of the official birthday celebration on March 23. “May Allah preserve the Sultan,” he said in a post on his Facebook page. – Bernama

‘Proposed URA aims to improve lives of people’

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that the proposed Act would protect homeowners from displacement, assuring that affected property owners would receive fair compensation if their homes are demolished for redevelopment. A total of 534 potential redevelopment sites have been identified across Peninsular Malaysia, including 139 in Kuala Lumpur. These sites cover 13.4% of the city’s total area and have a combined gross development value of RM355.3 billion.

o Minister cites two rejuvenated projects where unit sizes doubled and property values skyrocketed, benefiting owners

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

at these sites before making any comment. “Only after seeing the reality on the ground can you decide whether to support or oppose the Bill.” He stressed that the government is colour-blind when making plans to improve the livelihood of Malaysians.

PETALING JAYA: The proposed Urban Renewal Act (URA) is not just about redevelopment, it’s about transforming lives, says Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. Nga cited two redevelopment projects – Kuala Lumpur Gateway and Razak Mansion – where property values skyrocketed after completion, significantly benefiting homeowners. “Before the urban rehabilitation project, a Razak Mansion flat was only 420sq ft, valued at RM70,000. “After the project’s completion, its size almost doubled to 800sq ft and the value increased to RM418,000. “We are enriching and bringing benefits to our people by introducing the URA,” Nga told the Dewan Negara recently. The proposed URA consists of three main components – redevelopment, regeneration and revitalisation. Professional bodies, including the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association, have also expressed their support for the Act. Nga said redevelopment projects are not new in Malaysia as they have been implemented since 2012. “A similar law has already been adopted by eight Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Pakistan. “The intention behind the URA is to genuinely help the people. “We cannot afford to have more buildings collapsing or in a state of disrepair while the government remains indifferent.” Nga said he plans to arrange a site visit on April 29 for lawmakers from both the upper and lower houses of Parliament to inspect dilapidated flats targeted for redevelopment. The DAP parliamentary chief whip said all lawmakers should witness the conditions PETALING JAYA: Property and housing developers play only a reactive role in proposed redevelopment projects, said Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia (Rehda) president Datuk Ho Hon Sang. He said any proposal for an urban renewal project must originate from strata owners’ associations, whether it be a joint management body or management corporation. “They need to engage with relevant parties, including the government, to obtain consent from the strata owners. When these processes have been completed, only then does the

The government is enriching and bringing benefits to the people by introducing the proposed Act, says Nga. – SUNPIC

Developers only have reactive role in renewal projects: Rehda

bidding

exercise

(involving

interested

“This is a good initiative by the government to introduce a law for redevelopment. There are many buildings in the Klang Valley that are old, dilapidated and in poor condition, posing safety risks to residents.” Ho also highlighted outdated infrastructure, including plumbing and wiring, as a major public safety concern. “These are not issues we can compromise on as they directly impact people’s lives.” He added that funding for infrastructure repairs in ageing buildings is often limited, leading to further deterioration over time.

developers) take place. “At this stage, developers will submit their bids, and the one offering the most competitive price will be awarded the project,” Ho told a media conference at Rehda’s headquarters recently. Also present were his predecessor Datuk NK Tong and Rehda deputy president Datuk Zaini Yusoff. Ho said the government had consulted Rehda before drafting the proposed Act, describing the process as transparent.