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Govt ramps up engagement on Urban Renewal Act

RM1.1m boost for Kampung Seri Menanti

KUALA major infrastructure projects in Kampung Seri Menanti here have been completed under the Madani Adopted Village initiative led by the Public Service Department,, involving an allocation of RM1.1 million. Public Service (Operations) deputy director-general Datuk Mohd Shaiful Ibrahim said the projects reflect the department’s commitment as a central agency in supporting the government’s agenda while improving the well being and quality of life of rural communities. “Among the works carried out are the installation of solar-powered street lights, and the upgrading of the village library, community hall, resource centre and sepak takraw court. “This was done in collaboration with the Negeri Sembilan state development office and the Kuala Pilah district and land office,” he said after officiating the closing of the Madani Adopted Village and Adopted School programme here yesterday. In addition to infrastructure upgrades, he said several community-based activities were held, including the a dat menerang buapak (appointing a leader) and a dat berkodim (initiation into a clan) ceremonies, gotong-royong and village enhancement programmes, as well as the Mini Madani Seri Menanti Healthy carnival. Mohd Shaiful said Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Za’aba was also selected as the department’s Madani Adopted School, with an allocation of RM100,000 to create a more conducive learning environment. He said the upgrades included improvements to the examination hall and workshop, the provision of Google TV and smart boards for interactive digital learning, as well as spiritual and intellectual development programmes such as the Young Leadership Camp and the Madani Uniformed Units Camp. – Bernama PILAH: Eight allowing artisans and performers to engage directly with visitors. “This event brings together the Orang Asli and Orang Asal not as separate groups but as communities connected by shared heritage and culture,” said YKOA chairman Dr Andre Ratos, continuing the work of his late father, Datuk Antony Ratos, in advancing inclusion and social welfare for indigenous groups.

and implementing various initiatives aligned with the CHASE concept. “The diversity of events and activities organised in Labuan today is also anchored on this concept, making the city more attractive and vibrant.” Mohd Sukuran said urban planning should not be viewed as a technical exercise, but as a reflection of public aspirations, a platform for social inclusivity and a foundation for future prosperity. “We must collectively foster a planning culture that is more open, collaborative and responsive.” He added that as a unique federal territory, Labuan requires a progressive and people-centric approach to planning. Feedback, he said, gathered throughout the celebration will serve as important references in strengthening policies and development initiatives under the Labuan Structure Plan 2040 and the Draft Labuan Local Plan 2040. – Bernama

He said development projects such as the Labuan Waterfront Phase One, the demolition of Hotel Labuan and adaptive reuse of buildings are supporting urban regeneration to ensure Labuan remains a dynamic and sustainable city. “These initiatives are expected to create new investment opportunities, attract more tourists and enhance the city’s image, in line with the strategic projects identified as game changers under the Labuan Development Plan to stimulate its economy,” he said. Meanwhile, Labuan Corporation chief executive officer Mohd Sukuran Taib said the CHASE city concept – Clean, Healthy, Advanced, Safe and Eco-friendly – has become the core inspiration guiding urban planning and development in the federal territory. He said current planning efforts focus on enhancing the city’s image, improving landscape aesthetics, advancing smart city development

o Dialogue sessions seek public backing to fast-track law addressing ageing buildings and urban safety risks, says Town and Country Planning Dept

LABUAN: The Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) has stepped up public engagement through dialogue sessions to explain and secure broad support for the expedited approval of the Urban Renewal Act (URA), which aims to promote equitable and sustainable urban development. Its director-general Datuk Dr Alias Rameli said the initiative is crucial to safeguarding residents’ safety, particularly those living in ageing buildings and dilapidated urban areas. “Urban renewal is not merely a development necessity, but a moral responsibility of the government to protect residents’ safety and ensure healthy, safe and liveable urban environments,” he said at the Labuan-level World Town Planning Day 2025 at the Labuan Sports Complex yesterday. He said during a dialogue session on Nov 30, it was stressed that urban renewal is an urgent necessity to protect public safety, especially for communities residing in old and unsafe structures. Alias emphasised the need for the involvement of all segments of society, including professionals, academics, residents’ associations, NGOs, local authorities and local communities, to ensure the URA is approved in a dignified and implementable manner. He said the theme of this year’s World Town Planning Day reflects a clear vision and firm commitment towards sustainable urban development, particularly in

strengthening urban resilience to address the challenges of urbanisation and climate change. “Cities in Malaysia, especially the Federal Territory of Labuan, must achieve a high level of readiness and resilience to ensure the long-term sustainability and well-being of their people,” he said. On Labuan’s development direction, Alias said the Labuan Structure Plan 2040 is highly significant in charting a new trajectory for the federal territory’s growth, in line with national urban planning policies.

PET PARADISE ... The four-day Oh My Pet! Exhibition at the Mid Valley shopping centre, which ended yesterday, drew crowds of visitors. The exhibition was a celebration of all things pet-related, offering a wide range of products and services. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Preserving indigenous culture imperative, says activist

Ű BY THE SUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

as custodians of the environment and their traditional knowledge as a guide for sustainable living amid climate challenges. Lee also praised the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry for supporting cultural preservation, highlighting the need for sustained institutional backing. Organised by Yayasan Kesenian Orang Asli & Asal (YKOA), the three day festival featured music, dance, crafts, games and ethnic cuisine,

Asal 2025 festival from Dec 12-14 at Berjaya Times Square, Lee emphasised that indigenous languages, crafts, music, dances and values rooted in harmony with nature are among Malaysia’s most important treasures. “This heritage must not simply be displayed – it must be lived, respected and preserved for generations to come,” he said, noting the role of indigenous communities

communities whose traditions and knowledge predate modern Malaysia. “We are not here just to watch music and dance performances. This is about recognising the history, resilience and spirit of the Orang Asli and Orang Asal – communities that have been part of this land long before Malaysia as we know it existed.” Speaking at the Irama Asli &

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s indigenous heritage must be recognised and strengthened as a core pillar of the nation’s identity, history and environmental stewardship, social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said. He described the Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia and the Orang Asal of Sabah and Sarawak as

Longest art alley in Malaysia

SEREMBAN: Lorong Seni Seremban here made history after being recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the Longest Art Alley in the country. Seremban City Council mayor Datuk Masri Baharuddin said the 1km walkway, which was developed in 2019

day, including public holidays. The move aims to ensure visitor safety, preserve the quality and sustainability of the murals, create a more pedestrian and tourist-friendly environment, and support local arts, cultural and economic activities, he said. – Bernama

generations as well as tourists from within and outside the country,” he told reporters here on Saturday. Masri said Lorong Seni Seremban will be fully closed to vehicles every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from midnight to midnight the following

and involved more than 50 murals, most of which were produced by local artists depicting elements of local heritage, culture and identity. “The increase in the number of murals has made Lorong Seni Seremban fresher and more appealing to younger

and completed in 2024, has become one of Negeri Sembilan’s tourist attractions, reflecting the state’s continued commitment to strengthening arts and culture. He said the project was implemented at a cost of RM2.5 million