23/07/2025

WEDNESDAY | JULY 23, 2025

2

‘Detractors of MyKiosk initiative should apologise’

Ministry to roll out bold housing reforms PETALING JAYA: The Housing and Local Government Ministry is set to roll out bold housing reforms under the Madani government’s agenda to raise industry standards, promote social integration and ensure equitable access to quality living nationwide. Speaking at the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Week (KLAW) 2025, its minister Nga Kor Ming unveiled a series of initiatives, including a proposed “pay per-use” model for maintenance fees in future affordable housing projects. Residents will be issued access cards to track monthly usage of shared facilities. The concept will be piloted at the Rumah Bakat Madani project by Skyworld Pearlmont in Penang, which features an infinity pool, pickleball and badminton courts, gyms and a children’s playground. Nga said the model could become a blueprint for upcoming public housing developments which may also include vertical schools to enhance educational access in marginalised areas. He said to accelerate construction innovation, the ministry plans to involve private developers in setting up industrialised building system facilities, with a focus on modular techniques such as prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction. He added that these reforms align with the principles of Malaysia Madani as well as the country’s role as UN-Habitat Assembly president, and champion sustainable urban development, waste reduction and pollution control. Nga also emphasised the role of architecture in revitalising heritage buildings by blending preservation with contemporary design. KLAW 2025 serves as a curtain-raiser for the Asean Real Estate Conference and an exhibition – Archidex set to take place this week. The events, to be held at Mitec and KLCC, are expected to attract over 50,000 international visitors and generate RM2 billion in transactions. Meanwhile, the launch of Rumah Malaysia, a flagship affordable housing initiative, marks a major milestone in the government’s reform drive. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the project goes beyond bricks and mortar and aims to foster national unity and communal harmony. “I hope Rumah Malaysia becomes a true model of integration, where communities of all backgrounds live and interact together, reflecting the ideals of a Madani society.” Nga described the Rumah Pakat Madani project as the largest affordable housing development in the country’s history, comprising 37,368 units by SkyWorld – 6,368 in Seberang Jaya and 31,000 in Batu Kawan, Penang. Though affordably priced, the homes will include five-star amenities. Schools and key services will be within walking distance, reducing car dependence, a hallmark of people-centred, sustainable planning. To improve liveability, SkyWorld will implement its Healthy Home concept, incorporating natural lighting, improved ventilation and cooler indoor environments, alongside green communal spaces that encourage a healthier lifestyle. Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Baseless allegations have unfairly smeared efforts of staff as MACC has cleared ministry of misconduct, says minister

PETALING JAYA: Irresponsible parties who spread baseless allegations against the MyKiosk initiative should apologise, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. He said the accusations had unfairly smeared the efforts of ministry staff as the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) said there was no abuse of power or criminal wrongdoing in the programme’s implementation. Nga cited MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki’s statement on July 3 which cleared the ministry of misconduct. “Those who throw stones should not hide their hands. I demand an apology to all the ministry’s staff who have worked tirelessly. “Anyone who has spread slander or false claims about MyKiosk, please come forward and apologise.” Responding to criticism labelling MyKiosk as a “white elephant”, Nga said the initiative had shown real progress, even if full occupancy had yet to be achieved. As of July 2025, MyKiosk 1.0 (2023) recorded a 91.75% occupancy rate with 2,926 units filled while MyKiosk 2.0 (2024) reached 86.78% occupancy with 3,518 units taken up nationwide. The figures demonstrate the programme’s success in providing safe, affordable spaces for small businesses, particularly in urban areas, Nga said in reply to a question from Batu Pahat MP Onn Abu Bakar. The initiative is funded via the ministry’s BP1 allocation for small-scale infrastructure projects implemented by local authorities. RM50 million was spent in 2023 for 3,189 kiosks and RM100 million in 2024 for an additional 4,054 units. Nga admitted there had been some administrative hiccups but said the ministry is working to resolve them, including through site visits in both government and opposition-led states. “We are not TikTok warriors spreading baseless claims. We are honourable members of this House,” he told Hulu Selangor MP Mohd Hasnizan Harun, who raised concerns about vacant kiosks. Nga said to strengthen oversight a “traffic

Nga stressing a point in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Key highlights include fines of up to RM2,000 for first-time offenders, RM3,000 for repeat offenders and up to 12 hours of community service, subject to the court’s discretion. “This is not just about punishing people. It is also about building a culture of care and responsibility.” Offenders under 18 will be handled under the Child Act 2001. The Bill applies to Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan, with enforcement timing to be set by state governments. Nga said the proposal complements recent updates to the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act, reinforcing the need for stronger action to tackle Malaysia’s littering problem. Related to the Sovereignty of Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge had recommended that criminal investigations be considered against Mahathir. That recommendation was included in the 217-page report which was circulated to MPs. On May 23, 2008, the International Court of Justice ruled that Singapore held sovereignty over Batu Puteh while Middle Rocks, located less than one kilometre away, was awarded to Malaysia. – Bernama

light” system had been introduced to rate the 156 local councils managing MyKiosk sites, with councils in the green zone rewarded with more funds while councils in the red zone face budget cuts, though support would be given to help them improve. He added that many kiosk tenants now earn sustainable incomes, proving MyKiosk is more than just infrastructure as it is also a tool for economic empowerment. Nga also tabled the Street, Drainage and Building (Amendment) Bill 2025 to boost enforcement and encourage civic responsibility. The Bill proposes amending Sections 47 and 48 and introduces Section 125A, allowing local councils to impose community service for minor littering offences.

No action against Dr M over Pulau Batu Puteh: PM KUALA LUMPUR: The government has decided not to pursue action against former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad over the Pulau Batu Puteh sovereignty issue as raised in the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI), due to age-related considerations, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said while the Cabinet had considered the matter seriously, it ultimately agreed that no further action should be taken, given that Mahathir is now 100 years old. “We reached this decision in light of the fact that it involves a former prime minister who is 100 years old. Should we proceed? In the Cabinet, I expressed agreement that we should not. Otherwise, the MP for Kota Bharu would accuse us of being unfair,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. He was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu), who asked why the RCI on Pulau Batu Puteh had been withdrawn. Previously, the RCI on the Handling of Matters

Anwar to make special announcement today PETALING JAYA: After weeks of hints and growing anticipation, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to finally make his much-awaited “extraordinary tribute” announcement to Malaysians today.

stressed that the measures required careful and thoughtful consideration. “These concerns need to be addressed thoroughly before I proceed with any major announcement or change.” He had indicated that the measures would aim to ease the burden of rising living costs and provide relief to those affected by inflation and economic pressures. – By Harith Kamal

page. Anwar had earlier said the announcement, described as a special token of appreciation for the people, would be made either on Tuesday or Wednesday, pending the finalisation of certain measures. “Before I make the announcement, a few new approaches are being finalised.” While he did not reveal specifics, Anwar

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil confirmed that the announcement would be made at 10.30am, calling on the public to “wait for it” in a post on his Facebook