28/03/2025

FRIDAY | MAR 28, 2025

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Architects back proposed URA

o Move will have significant economic impact and ensures best practices are adhered to: PAM

█ BY ANDREW SAGAYAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Abu Zarim said the proposed Act is in line with practices in many developed countries, and seeks to address persistent challenges surrounding ageing buildings with multiple owners under the Strata Titles Act. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) fully supports the proposed Urban Redevelopment Act (URA) currently being finalised by the Housing and Local Government Ministry under the leadership of its minister Nga Kor Ming. PAM president Abu Zarim Abu Bakar said it seeks to address persistent challenges surrounding ageing buildings with multiple owners under the Strata Titles Act. He said the proposed Act introduces a pragmatic solution by setting the en-bloc consent threshold at 75% for existing stratified buildings and a simple majority for abandoned projects, which will facilitate a more feasible path towards revitalisation. “This is in line with practices in many developed countries and will have significant economic impact. “PAM strongly advocates that any new development arising from acquisition under the Urban Redevelopment Act adhere strictly to best practices, thereby ensuring a net positive impact on the urban landscape and fabric of our cities. “The developments, particularly in high-density zones, must be complemented by government initiatives aimed at enhancing urban infrastructure. “This includes strengthening access to public transport, expanding green open spaces, and improving other public amenities and facilities to accommodate the anticipated population growth,” he said. The current consent requirement of 100% of owners has been a stumbling block towards redevelopment of

dilapidated stratified buildings. Abu Zarim also said property developers seeking to spearhead such redevelopments are urged to prioritise long-term sustainability over short-term gains. “Within our institute, we have numerous skilled architects renowned for designing world-class multi-residential developments that offer comfort and sustainability. “Typically, buildings have a lifespan of 50 years with components needing replacements after 15 years. In cases where a rigorous maintenance regimen is upheld, buildings can often surpass a lifespan of 50 years. Unfortunately, this is frequently not the scenario in Malaysia, where numerous Badge on Student Uniforms in the Education Ministry Institutions – had been issued alongside a circular letter No. 3/2025, providing clear instructions on how the badge should be worn. By incorporating the Jalur Gemilang badge into students’ daily uniforms, the statement said the ministry reinforced its commitment to foster national pride among Malaysia’s youth. “It aligns seamlessly with the broader mission of educational institutions to inspire love for the country and cultivate an enduring sense of patriotism.” In August last year, Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa highlighted the importance of cultivating patriotism from the school level. He underscored the role of nationhood based programmes in shaping the identity of the younger generation and fostering a sense of pride in national symbols such as the Jalur Gemilang.

Abu

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renewal are pivotal for ensuring the enduring viability and liveability of our cities. “Preservation efforts for buildings with heritage or historical significance are also paramount, requiring appropriate retrofitting in line with their inherent character. Even relatively new sites may hold historical value,” Abu Zarim said. He added that in cases involving existing owners and multiple community stakeholders, developers are urged to embrace a co-design approach, involving a facilitator, potentially an architect, to engage diverse perspectives that would ensure a design outcome embraced by all the stakeholders involved.

stratified buildings have been neglected for an extended period, rendering the cost of rehabilitation prohibitive for the joint owners.” He said older buildings often fail to meet current building codes, environmental standards, and energy efficiency requirements introduced in the past few decades. He added that retrofitting them for compliance necessitates substantial investment to ensure safety, suitability, and sustainability. “The Urban Redevelopment Act offers the option of enabling en-bloc sale for rehabilitation or complete redevelopment by new or existing owners. “Urban regeneration and

wholeheartedly Nga’s nationwide initiative to upgrade public toilets, aspiring to achieve ‘BMW Toilets’ (Bersih, Menawan dan Wangi). In support of public facilities like toilets, markets, playgrounds and community centres, he said PAM stands ready to facilitate and organise architecture design competitions. “Our experience reveals that architecture design competitions for public facilities, with community involvement, cultivate a sense of ownership and raise public awareness about the importance of architecture and quality design,” he added. backs

Students to wear Jalur Gemilang badge on uniforms

Discussions among key stakeholders vital for success of Visit Malaysia 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: Engaging key tourism stakeholders, diplomats and industry players is crucial as Malaysia prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. He said this aligns with the Madani government’s vision, ensuring that VM2026 not only attracts more tourists but also fosters sustainable bilateral tourism growth. “Through collaboration and

harmony among people, urging everyone to respect one another. “Only then we can achieve the stability of the nation and the peace of the whole world. This diversity makes Malaysia unique, and we proudly showcase it to the world through our tourism industry,” he said, adding that Malaysia’s rich heritage, culture, traditions and wellness retreats offer unique experiences that cater to the rising global demand for cultural and health-conscious travel. – Bernama

mutual respect, we can further strengthen trade while enhancing tourism industries. “Tonight’s event provides a valuable platform for open discussions, business connections and collaborative efforts to boost the tourism industry,”he said in his speech at the Tourism, Arts And Culture Ministry’s Iftar Ramadan on Wednesday. Tiong also emphasised the importance of fostering unity and

█ BY AZURA ABAS newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: In a move to bolster national pride, the Education Ministry has announced that all students under its jurisdiction will wear the Jalur Gemilang badge on their school uniforms starting April 21. The initiative, to be introduced in phases, is designed to instil patriotism and a deep sense of national identity among students and educators. The Education Ministry said it will be introduced in government schools, government-assisted schools, matriculation colleges and teacher training institutes. “To ensure smooth implementation, each student will receive two badges free of charge for the 2025/2026 academic session,“ the ministry said in a statement yesterday. It added that official guidelines – Guidelines for Wearing the Jalur Gemilang

Sabah gets replacement public holiday on April 2 KOTA KINABALU: This Sunday, March 30 has been designated as a public holiday for Sabah in conjunction with the official birthday celebration of the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah Tun Musa Aman. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in a statement said that since the date falls on Sunday, the following day will be a replacement public holiday for the state. “The state government has determined that if the following day is also a public holiday, then April 2 will be a public holiday for Sabah.” He said the declaration was made in accordance with the provisions in the First Schedule, Public Holidays Ordinance (Chapter 56). - Bernama