26/03/2025

WEDNESDAY | MAR 26, 2025

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48 abandoned buildings identified in federal capital KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 48 abandoned buildings have been identified in the federal capital as of Feb 20, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. Several premises in Lorong Tiong Nam are listed and mostly rows of dilapidated shops,” she said during a question and answer session at the Dewan Negara yesterday. Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Setapak, Cheras and Kampung Pandan also have abandoned buildings. “This is likely due to the issue of layered ownership, stalled heritage planning or failed property investment which have caused the premises to be left vacant for a long time.”

unsightly buildings, while Section 75 allows action to be taken if the owner failed to comply. She added that provisions under Section 83(1) of the Roads, Drainage and Buildings Act 1974 (Act 133) allow local authorities to order the repair, renovation or demolition of any building deemed to be a danger to public safety or to damage the aesthetic value of the environment. Zaliha said City Hall was also examining redevelopment strategies with appropriate partners so that buildings could be restored and reintroduced into the market cycle. She also agreed to set up a special team to look into the acquisition of abandoned buildings to renovate, resell or rent them. No plans to impose congestion charge: Transport minister KUALA LUMPUR: The government does not plan to implement a congestion charge on private vehicles in Kuala Lumpur for now, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke. He said the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Congestion meeting had discussed the matter in depth previously, and noted the ministry’s views to focus on improving the quality of public transport first. “Therefore, the Transport Ministry does not and has not yet planned to implement a congestion charge on private vehicles at this time,” he said during a question and answer session at the Dewan Negara yesterday. He was responding to Senator Tan Sri Datuk Low Kian Chuan who wanted to know whether the ministry would consider implementing a congestion charge tax given that the “first mile and last mile” connection issue had been resolved through on-demand transit van services. Loke said a study on the implementation mechanism, projected reduction in traffic volume and increased use of public transport was being conducted by the Malaysian Road Safety Research Institute and the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation. He added the ministry is also implementing the Klang Valley Public Transport Strategic Plan which includes an “Origin-Destination” study. He said it is hoped the study would be used as a benchmark to improve the quality of public transport in Klang Valley and other states. – Bernama Longer stay permits for business visitors, foreign investors PETALING JAYA: The Immigration Department will introduce the Long-Term Social Visit Pass for business visitors and foreign investors, effective April 1. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said this would allow them to remain in Malaysia for six months, with the possibility of an extension for another six months, subject to justification and necessity. “It simplifies the process for foreign investors who wish to stay in Malaysia for an appropriate duration, particularly those who have committed to making investments through investment agencies or relevant authorities.” He said pass holders would also be eligible for the Multiple-Entry Visa, allowing them greater flexibility in their business activities. “The facility is expected to stimulate the investment ecosystem while maintaining security screening for prospective investors.” Further details can be accessed at the department’s official website for expatriates at https://esd.imi.gov.my/.

She was responding to Senator Tan Sri Mohamad Fatmi Che Salleh who enquired on the number of abandoned buildings in the federal capital and the government’s plans for them. Zaliha said several strategic areas such as Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Pudu and Jalan Gombak also had abandoned premises and buildings, which meant that the issue was not only occurring in suburban areas but also in prime commercial locations. “It is also surprising that several neighbourhoods which are considered mature and stable with consistent land demand, such as Kampung Baru,

She said based on the latest records from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall, 25 were residential buildings while 23 were commercial buildings. “The abandoned buildings are in several areas, including in Jinjang Utara, with at least seven premises, majority of which are residential buildings. This may be due to local issues stemming from old housing. “At Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah or Jalan Ipoh, there are several abandoned residential and commercial units, reflecting urban decay or stunted development.

She said City Hall had taken several proactive steps, including issuing notification letters and notices under Sections 74 and 75 of Act 171 (Local Government Act) to all owners of the affected premises. However, to date, only nine building owners have taken action after receiving the notices, Bernama reported. Zaliha said Section 74 empowers local authorities to direct owners to repair or clean up dirty and

Mixed public response to proposed water tariff hike

funds from past hikes were used effectively.” High-stakes negotiations involving water operators, the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and state governments are expected to begin soon as they work to finalise new tariffs before the July 1 deadline. In a major shift, the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry was reported to have approved a specialised water tariff for data centres, setting the rate at RM5.50 per cubic metre. This marks a pivotal change, separating data centre operators from traditional industrial users – a move that could reshape the cost structures in the industry.

o Govt must ensure grouses are heard and address complaints on quality and supply reliability: Fomca

PETALING JAYA: A proposed water tariff review has divided public opinion – while some see it as crucial for better infrastructure, others fear it will worsen the financial burden of struggling households. Engineer Razman Ismail, 48, acknowledged the need for sustainable water management but insists that any increase must be reasonable and justified. “While I’m living quite comfortably, the increase should still be reasonable, perhaps around 5% to 10%. But, authorities must be transparent about how the funds will be used.” This view aligns with concerns expressed by the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca), which opposes tariff hikes without clear justification and transparency. Fomca CEO Dr Saravanan Thambirajah urged the government to ensure consumer voices are heard, adding that it opposed decision-making that treats public consultation as a mere ‘tick-the-box’ exercise. “The government must address concerns about affordability, service quality and accountability. We also call for audit reports to be made public to ensure water operators manage funds responsibly.” On March 10, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the government was reviewing water tariffs, with adjustments expected in some states. Noraini Abdullah, a 38-year-old laksa stall owner, said now is not the time for a water tariff review. “Many are struggling with higher expenses for food, electricity and transport. Maybe when the cost of living is more stable, a review would be more acceptable,” she said. Fomca echoed Noraini’s concerns, calling on the government to ensure any tariff increase comes with measurable improvements in service quality and supply reliability. Saravanan also emphasised the importance of prioritising affordability and accessibility, recommending targeted subsidies or rebates to protect low-income households. “An increase in water tariffs will significantly impact lower-income families, many of whom are already struggling with rising costs in essential sectors like electricity, fuel and food.” In 2024, Malaysia implemented its first nationwide water tariff hike in decades. Effective from February last year, domestic users in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan saw Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

an increase of 22 sen per cubic metre, raising water bills by an average of RM3 per month. Despite the increase, Saravanan said improvements in water supply and service reliability were still lacking. “Complaints about frequent disruptions, low water pressure, and slow response times remain widespread, raising doubts about whether

DEDICATED CRAFTSMAN ... A chappal maker at Kompleks Bagan in Butterworth working meticulously to meet orders for the leather footwear, which is a popular accessory to complement traditional Aidilfitri attire. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN