DBKL, Sentul Raya unveils affordable housing and education programme for B40 group
KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), in partnership with Sentul Raya Sdn Bhd—a subsidiary of YTL Land and Development Sdn Bhd has launched Residensi Kecapi and Bintang Cemerlang 2.0, aimed at empowering the B40 community.
The event, officiated by Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), highlights a shared commitment to community upliftment and social development in Kuala Lumpur.
"This is not just about building homes or launching a programme. It's about restoring dignity, creating opportunity, and delivering hope," said the minister.
Dr. Zaliha added that the launch is a testament to what can be achieved when the government and private sector collaborate to uplift lives.
"Ensuring access to quality housing, especially for lower-income families, is a key part of our national agenda. It lays the foundation for stronger, more stable communities."
Residensi Kecapi introduces 250 quality homes priced at RM42,000—significantly below actual construction cost, with the entire subsidy covered by Sentul Raya. Strategically located in revitalised Sentul, the project aligns with the National Housing Policy's goals to provide safe, affordable housing while combating urban decline and promoting sustainable communities.
Running alongside the housing project is Bintang Cemerlang 2.0, an upgraded education enrichment programme supporting 23 primary schools in the area.
Building on its 2008 predecessor—which impacted over 107,500 individuals and earned three Kuala Lumpur Mayor's Awards—the programme offers a holistic learning experience that integrates academic, creative, and physical development. It also includes training for teachers to better support students.
Together, the initiatives form a comprehensive model for community development, combining quality housing with education to empower families and build resilient communities. They also reflect YTL Group's commitment to long-term, meaningful impact.
In her closing remarks, Dr Zaliha urged greater private sector involvement. "Let us walk forward together, public and private sector, to build a Kuala Lumpur that is modern and inclusive."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
43 minutes ago
- The Star
Structural challenges likely for plantation sector
PETALING JAYA: The plantation sector lacks catalysts moving forward with the average crude palm oil (CPO) price forecasts pegged at RM4,100 per tonne for 2025 and RM4,000 per tonne for 2026, respectively. Phillip Capital Research, which initiated a 'neutral' rating on the sector, said the overall aggregate sector earnings is forecast to grow by 9.2% year-on-year (y-o-y) in 2025, before facing a 3.4% y-o-y earnings contraction in 2026 due to weaker palm product prices in the second half of 2025 (2H25) and persistent structural challenges. The research house said its preferred large-cap pick is SD Guthrie Bhd with a target price of RM5.21, supported by resilient upstream contributions, strategic diversification into non-food downstream segments and embedded value from potential asset monetisation. Furthermore, SD Guthrie's integrated structure and estate rejuvenation efforts positioned it well to weather CPO price swings while unlocking hidden land bank value over time. Among small-cap names, Phillip Capital Research said it favoured Sarawak Plantations Bhd with a target price of RM2.88, underpinned by its young estate profile, ongoing replanting programme and steadily improving internal crops production. The plantation group also boasts a healthy balance sheet and offers an attractive 4% dividend yield, supported by healthy free cash flows. Sarawak Plantations' compelling enterprise value (EV) per ha valuation of less than RM20,000 per ha presented notable upside potential versus its peers, the reseach house added. While macro headwinds such as softer CPO prices and global trade uncertainties persisted, Phillip Capital Research highlighted that valuations for selected planters are beginning to look attractive, particularly if prices stabilise and earnings recovery takes shape in 2H25. The potential rerating catalysts for the sector include tighter global edible oil supply, supportive biodiesel mandates and renewed foreign interest in undervalued mid to large-cap names. 'In our view, the plantation sector's risk-reward is now more balanced. 'We recommend selectively accumulating upstream-focused names with younger estates, improving fresh fruit bunch yields, and efficient cost structures to capitalise on any palm oil price recovery,' it noted. For investors seeking more stability, diversified integrated players with defensive earnings and consistent payouts warranted consideration. Overall, the research house viewed its valuations on the sector as fair, but structural headwinds would cap upside.
The Sun
8 hours ago
- The Sun
Samenta seeks sectoral guidelines, higher threshold for SMEs in expanded SST implementation
PETALING JAYA: The timing and the manner of the implementation of the expanded Sales and Services Tax (SST) effective July 1 raise serious concerns for SMEs, said Small and Medium Enterprises Association Malaysia (Samenta). Its national president, Datuk William Ng, said while the intention to strengthen government revenue is understandable, SMEs are seriously concerned as they are already under tremendous pressure. 'SMEs are currently navigating a challenging operating environment marked by high input costs, tighter consumer spending, and softening external demand,' he said, adding that the upcoming expiration of the United States' reciprocal tariff pause on July 8 threatens to further dampen Malaysia's export competitiveness and expose SMEs to retaliatory trade measures at a time they can least afford it. Against this backdrop, Ng said, the expansion of SST without sufficient exemptions or a higher threshold for SMEs, risks compounding the cost burden on businesses that are least equipped to absorb it. This impact is not limited to raw material costs but extends to rent and business-to-business services that will now fall under the SST's expanded scope, he added. These increases, Ng said, will almost certainly be passed on to consumers, further driving up the cost of living. 'We urge the government to urgently reconsider the threshold for SMEs to minimise the impact on SME profitability and consumer prices. Specifically, we call for an exemption for micro and small enterprises as defined by SME Corp. or at the very least, a revised threshold of RM2 million in annual turnover, up from the current RM500,000, to ensure that only medium and larger businesses fall within the expanded scope,' he said. Ng also urged the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) to issue sector-specific guidance immediately to help impacted SMEs determine their obligations under the expanded scope, without having to consult tax agents. 'Without clarity, many SMEs risk accidental non-compliance, despite the enforcement grace period until the end of 2025.' He added that RMCD must also clarify whether, during this transition period, it is acceptable for businesses apply SST on the point of invoice, instead of point of collection. 'Many businesses would have issued invoice in prior months, creating uncertainty on tax liability under the expanded regime,' he noted. Ng said Samenta supports the development of a fair, progressive and transparent tax framework that broadens the base while protecting the country's entrepreneurial assets. However, he added, this must be done in a calibrated manner, with genuine stakeholder consultation and alignment with current economic realities. 'While we were given a briefing on the expanded SST, we cannot consider it a consultation when it is presented as fait accompli,' said Ng. In light of heightened global uncertainties and domestic economic fragility – factors that were not as pronounced when Budget 2025 was tabled, Ng said, Samenta believes that a higher exemption threshold for SMEs is economically prudent. He said Samenta remains ready to collaborate with the government to ensure that fiscal reforms succeed without compromising the resilience and dynamism of the SME sector.
Borneo Post
9 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Dr Rundi: Sarawak eyes complete agro supply chain to boost rural incomes
Dr Rundi (second left) visits the GS30 hybrid rice cultivation project site at Tanjung Purun Rice Cultivation Scheme in Lundu. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (June 10): Sarawak is committed to strengthening its food and commodity sectors by establishing a complete supply chain from upstream to downstream levels, to ensure that agricultural and livestock products can be marketed sustainably and profitably, said Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. The Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister said this integrated approach is key to securing stable incomes for the people and transforming the state's economic landscape. 'In this day and age, we can no longer live by the 'kais pagi makan pagi, kais petang makan petang' (live from hand to mouth) concept. Whatever we strive for must yield positive returns, not just enough to get by. 'Therefore, we need to establish a complete supply chain, covering everything from upstream to downstream,' he said after visiting the GS30 Hybrid Rice Cultivation Project site at the Tanjung Purun Rice Cultivation Scheme in Lundu today. Dr Rundi stressed that the development of the food industry can no longer rely solely on conventional approaches but instead, it requires a mindset shift that views this sector as a true economic opportunity. 'The 'tagang' (controlled fishing) system and agricultural practices in the state are still very slow and overly conventional. 'So, we need to change our way of thinking so that we can produce high-income products. Our target is for household incomes to reach RM15,000 per month,' he said. He explained that such income levels can be achieved if a complete supply chain is in place, along with job opportunities and income sources from farming, fisheries, and livestock. For this reason, he said, a mindset change is necessary so that the agro-food sector is no longer seen as merely subsistence-based, but as an economic field with lucrative returns, as is the case in developed countries. 'In New Zealand and Australia, farmers are highly regarded. We can reach that level too, if this industry is developed in a planned and strategic manner,' he added. In this regard, Dr Rundi called on the State Agriculture Department and research officers to identify suitable production zones for premium products such as dabai, black pepper, and pandan coconut. 'For example, crops like dabai and black pepper are only suitable in specific areas like Song, Kapit, and central Sarawak. If we plant them elsewhere, the taste and quality won't be the same. 'So, we must identify the strengths of each area and focus on developing based on those advantages,' he remarked. agro-food sector Dr Stephen Rundi Utom food supply chain lead
