18/07/2025

FRIDAY | JULY 18, 2025

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RM3m KLIA facelift ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026

Water tariff review aims to boost supply system SEREMBAN: The proposed water tariff adjustment in Negeri Sembilan is expected to boost the state’s water supply system and asset capabilities, ensuring long-term sustainability, according to Syarikat Air Negeri Sembilan Sdn Bhd (SAINS). In a statement, SAINS said the new tariff structure will affect all customer categories, covering more than 490,000 accounts. However, domestic users consuming less than 20 cu m per month will continue to receive subsidised rates under the revised structure. “The proposed tariff review is currently under evaluation by the National Water Services Commission and will require federal government approval before implementation,” it said. SAINS called for public understanding and cooperation, stressing that the adjustment is necessary to improve water service delivery and infrastructure across the state as well as to ensure a sufficient supply of treated water in the long term. It said one of the main challenges is ageing infrastructure, particularly asbestos cement pipes prone to frequent ruptures, which often disrupt supply. Rising demand for water, driven by rapid development in Seremban and Port Dickson, population growth and industrial projects under the Malaysian Vision Valley 2.0 initiative has further strained the system. Shifting climate conditions have also affected raw water quality, leading to higher treatment costs to meet national drinking water standards. To address these challenges, SAINS is undertaking continuous infrastructure development projects to ensure sufficient water supply for current needs and future demand across various sectors and industries. – Bernama ‘Vacancy tax needed to deter speculation’ GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has voiced strong support for the introduction of a vacancy tax on residential properties that remain unoccupied for extended periods. CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the measure is urgently needed to curb property speculation and improve housing affordability. “A vacancy tax typically applies to properties that remain vacant – unsold or unrented – for more than six months in a year. In countries such as Canada and Australia, particularly in cities such as Melbourne, this tax is set at between 1% and 3% of the property or land value. “Its primary aim is to deter property speculation, particularly in the medium-cost segment, in which rising prices in the subsale market have increasingly placed home ownership beyond the reach of middle-income earners,” he said in a statement yesterday. Mohideen emphasised that many homes, especially in urban areas, are left vacant while thousands of Malaysians continue to struggle to secure affordable housing. – Bernama

o Landscape upgrade to enhance first impressions and boost national image in line with tourism initiative

cleaner, greener national entry point. “This is not just about aesthetics. It’s about national image, liveability and sustainable development,” he said, adding that Malaysia is also serving as president of UN-Habitat, a role that reinforces its responsibility in global urban development leadership. Nga also highlighted that the improvements come as Malaysia overtakes Thailand as Asean’s most visited destination. In the first quarter of this year, Malaysia recorded 10.1 million international tourist arrivals, ahead of Thailand’s 9.5 million. “This is the first time since independence that we have surpassed Thailand. It shows the effectiveness of our strategic efforts under the Madani government. Every Malaysian now has a role to play as a tourism ambassador,” he said. The tourism target for Visit Malaysia 2026 has been set at 35 million arrivals, with the KLIA landscape enhancement forming part of a wider national readiness strategy. Nga closed his remarks by calling on Malaysians to welcome tourists warmly and help project a lasting, positive image of the country. “We must make sure every touchpoint, from the airport onwards, leaves a positive and lasting impression. Let’s welcome visitors with warmth, pride and a sense of unity in diversity.”

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

tourists and delegates, while also reinforcing KLIA’s role as the country’s main gateway,” he said at a press conference held at KLIA yesterday. He added that the development, themed “Harmony in Diversity”, will be designed in-house by NLD landscape architects in collaboration with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB). The project is expected to take six months to complete, followed by a one-year maintenance phase before being handed over to MAHB. In addition to the RM3 million commitment from the ministry, MAHB has also approved a RM30 million investment to further enhance airport facilities. The joint efforts are part of a broader inter agency collaboration involving the ministry, Transport Ministry, Public Works Department and MAHB to prepare for an expected increase in international arrivals next year. KLIA is operating beyond its original design capacity of 30 million passengers, having reached 32 million this year. Nga said the upgrades are essential to accommodate future demand and present a

SEPANG: The Housing and Local Government Ministry will allocate RM3 million to launch a landscape enhancement project at the KL International Airport (KLIA) terminals 1 and 2, aimed at improving the airport’s visual identity and comfort for international visitors ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026. The project will be led by the National Landscape Department (NLD), with works expected to begin later this month. It was offered through an open tender process, which closed on June 3, and is currently in its final procurement stage. Its minister Nga Kor Ming said the project would include upgrades to arrival and departure zones, key roadways surrounding KLIA, landscaping and the usage of native and ornamental plant species. Visual elements will reflect Malaysia’s multicultural identity, including signage in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Chinese and Tamil. “This initiative will enhance the first impression of Malaysia for international

INFORMATIVE DISPLAYS ... A participant demonstrating a medical device during the International Healthcare Week event at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Mud crab project set to boost income of fishermen MALACCA: A strategic collaboration between fishermen in Langkawi and Pantai Kundor is being developed through an innovative pilot project on mud crab farming, which is expected to become a new economic driver, particularly during the monsoon season. Pantai Kundor assemblywoman Tuminah Kadi said the project, spearheaded by the Malaysian Innovation Foundation in collaboration with the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, not only involves technology transfer but also serves as a platform to connect fishing communities from two different states to share knowledge, techniques and experience in modern mud crab farming. “We will adapt the successful mud crab farming model implemented in Langkawi as the foundation for the Malacca project, making the necessary adjustments based on local geographical conditions,” she said. Tuminah added that selected fishermen representatives will travel to Langkawi to learn modern farming techniques, including soft-shell crab production technology, which will later be adapted at several identified locations in Malacca based on suitability. She was speaking after visiting a proposed mud crab and mussel farming site at the Sungai Lereh fishing jetty. The project is seen as a long-term measure to help fishermen whose income is often affected during the monsoon season, when fishing activities are restricted. “With mud crab farming, fishermen

industry with strong local and international demand. “Langkawi has proven this model works. Now, it is Malacca’s turn to adapt this innovation with the help of the ministry and experienced entrepreneurs. If this pilot project succeeds, we aim to expand it to fishing cooperatives and involve the younger generation in coastal areas. “Apart from mud crabs, we will also study the potential for mussel farming at several fishing jetties,” she said. – Bernama

can generate income throughout the year without depending on sea conditions. This is not just a farming project but an economic lifeline during the monsoon season,”she said. Tuminah explained that innovative farming methods will be used, such as small-scale plastic boxes with a saltwater flow system, which has been researched for its suitability. She added that initial studies have found the availability of mud crab seeds in the Sungai Lereh area, giving the project an advantage in developing an