31/07/2025

THURSDAY | JULY 31, 2025

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RM125m secured to revive affordable housing project

“The community-based museum approach not only strengthens the relationship between cultural institutions and the public, but also helps preserve the identity of communities often sidelined from the mainstream,” she said, emphasising that the concept reflects the transformation of museums into more inclusive entities that foster greater awareness of identity and history. Initiative to boost groundwater resource management KUALA LUMPUR: The National Integrated Groundwater Network 2025 programme is an integrated strategic initiative to strengthen the management and development of the country’s groundwater resources sustainably based on scientific data. Minerals and Geosciences Department director-general Datuk Zamri Ramli said the effort is in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani, ensuring the security of the country’s water supply and environmental sustainability. He said the programme, led by the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry through the department, is a strategic engagement platform that brings together stakeholders from the groundwater-related industry to foster collaboration. “The programme is also a space for knowledge transfer, sharing of advanced monitoring technology and reporting on the progress of the pilot project for pioneering groundwater mapping and development projects in Kedah.” He said the implementation of the programme supports the principles of inclusiveness, good governance and sustainability. He also said the programme is in line with the National Water Resources Policy and the Integrated Water Resources Management approach, which emphasise the use of scientific data and digital technology in addition to supporting the Public Service Digitalisation Agenda through the use of MyGovCloud in the groundwater monitoring system. “With the participation of international hydrogeological experts, the programme opens up opportunities to share best practices in groundwater resource management at the global and local levels,” he said. Zamri added that some of the key impacts targeted through the programme are to expand the national monitoring network of groundwater resources and provide high-quality data to support the country’s water security policy. He said it aims to improve preparedness against climate change and weather uncertainty, guarantee access to clean and sufficient water in rural areas, and strengthen the technical capacity and innovation in the country’s hydrogeological field. – Bernama

media to see if it was really true. Now, there is real hope,” he said. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Madani government, through the ministry, has made it a priority to revive stalled and problematic housing projects, especially those affecting the low and middle-income groups. Among its key milestones was the restoration of Taman PRR Putera Kiansom in Sabah, which had been delayed for 22 years. Another major breakthrough was the launch of PRR Harmoni Madani in Bestari Jaya, Selangor, resolving a 27-year housing struggle for 247 estate workers. Since the formation of its task force in December 2022, the ministry has managed to revive 1,127 abandoned housing projects, covering 135,211 units valued at RM106.48 billion as of May.

while still paying her mortgage, said: “It has been very hard. We have been paying for two homes, one we live in and another that still is not ready. The unit cost RM260,000 and we have been paying since day one. That is why I am truly grateful to the ministry and the Madani government. “This is amazing news for us, especially as first-time homeowners who have waited over five years.” Civil servant Iskandar Zulkarnain, 34, echoed similar sentiments. “Most of us civil servants buy homes for retirement. Once we leave government quarters, we are on our own. But how do we manage when the house still is not ready? “I bought mine in 2018. It was supposed to be done by 2022. We have been pushing for answers ever since. Even with this new announcement, many of us had doubts. We kept checking social

“When we say the city is for everyone, that includes heritage development. We have included heritage trail routes in the plan, highlighting areas that have been identified as part of Kuala Lumpur’s cultural footprint. “We are continuing efforts to identify and incorporate more of these heritage trails into the plan.” Maimunah added that the plan identifies several heritage villages that would be preserved and gazetted as Sick and Abandoned Projects, the ministry has taken a hands-on approach to rehabilitate the stalled development. After months of technical and financial negotiations, the funding marks a turning point. “With this capital injection, construction would begin immediately under a new main contractor, Bina Permai Sdn Bhd,” said Nga. “This is a vital milestone for a project that has been stalled for far too long. It brings renewed hope to the thousands of buyers who have waited with great uncertainty.” He stressed that this is the project’s last shot at redemption. “This is the final chance. If the project fails again, we will blacklist the developer and all parties involved. “I will use my full ministerial powers, including action against its board of directors. There will be no second chance. “The funds are here, the KPI is set, keys must be handed over by 2027. Enough is enough,” he warned. He urged affected buyers to remain patient just a little longer, assuring them that the government is doing everything possible to ensure completion. For buyers such as private sector employee Suriyanni Rahman, 34, the announcement was long overdue. “I was one of the first to buy a unit back in 2018. My child was five years old then, now my child is in Standard Five. “We never received any formal notification when construction stopped. We found out through our buyer representative, who kept pushing the ministry for updates.” Suriyanni, who rents in Setapak

GOMBAK: The Housing and Local Government Ministry has secured a RM125 million funding injection to revive the long-delayed Residensi Hektar Gombak project, a major breakthrough for the 2,400 homeowners who have waited years for their affordable homes. Launched in 2018 under the Residensi Wilayah programme, the project was developed by Hektar Aneka Sdn Bhd but ground to a halt, missing its promised completion date of May 2022 as stated in the Sale and Purchase Agreement. Minister Nga Kor Ming said: “This delay has deeply affected 2,400 buyers, many of whom are still paying loans for incomplete homes while also covering rent elsewhere. We understand the pressure they are under and that is why this recovery effort is critical.” To ease the financial burden on affected buyers, the ministry has actively engaged with financial institutions to negotiate lower repayment terms and restructure existing loans. Through the National Housing Department and the Task Force for o Funding brings renewed hope to thousands of buyers who have waited years with uncertainty, says minister Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Nga speaking with residents who bought units at Residensi Hektar Gombak at the site of the project. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Plan to balance development with heritage preservation KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 aims to strike a balance between physical protected zones, in line with efforts to retain Kuala Lumpur’s historical and cultural character. wellbeing and safety. In a related

development, Maimunah said city hall has applied to join the Unesco Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in March, with confirmation of receipt issued in April. The application is under review by Unesco, with a decision expected in October, Bernama reported. The UCCN recognises cities that prioritise innovation, good governance and community engagement through creativity. museum concept, public involvement in safeguarding cultural heritage could be strengthened as they feel their heritage, culture and history are valued and protected.” She stressed that intergenerational knowledge exchange could also be fostered, providing communities with the space to voice their views in the development of museum programmes and activities.

“If a site is gazetted as heritage, it will remain so. It cannot be altered. This ensures better oversight for all developers in Kuala Lumpur.” She also said the plan adopts a balanced approach to development, incorporating key elements such as economic growth, physical planning, environmental sustainability, heritage preservation, creativity, mental

development and the preservation of the city’s cultural heritage, said Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif. She said Kuala Lumpur City Hall is working closely with the National Heritage Department to ensure a dedicated framework is in place to safeguard heritage buildings across the capital.

Museums evolving into hubs for learning, social engagement BALING: Evolving with the times, the role of museums has gone beyond storing and displaying artefacts to becoming centres for learning and social engagement, said National Unity Deputy Minister K. Saraswathy. She said the “museum within the community” concept emphasises active public involvement in various aspects of museum management and activities. “Through this approach, the community is not merely visitors, but also strategic partners in the research, preservation, conservation and development of exhibition content and museum activities,”she said at the opening of the Kembara Ilmu Jom Gi Baling community outreach in conjunction with the national-level International Museum Day Festival at Dusun Tok Wak near here on Tuesday. Also present were Museums Department director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A Kassim, Kedah Museum director Suhaidi Syukri and Baling district officer Yazlan Sunardie Che Yahaya, Bernama reported. Saraswathy said: “History, heritage and culture are powerful tools in shaping national identity and strengthening unity. “Through this community-based