NST Leader: Revitalising urban areas
IN a world where science and technology dominate, the old eventually make way for the new. Antiquated vehicles, buildings and infrastructure are rapidly demolished and replaced.
Fashion is dictated by youthful trends, and new ideas bring fresh paradigms and ideologies. Tech startups are overhauling the way we work, play, love, eat and trade.
The young, armed with more money, power and influence, tear through tradition, devoid of sentimentality. But they are persuaded to compromise: they are allowed to flatten swathes of the past provided they retain some of the ruins. For instance, the Porta de Santiago gate of the 15th century Portuguese fortress of A Famosa in Melaka, lies surrounded by a water theme park, safari, golf course, hotel and shopping mall.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation designated it a World Heritage site. In developing the BBCC Lalaport mall in Kuala Lumpur, the developers maintained the Pudu Jail main gate. Sometimes, developers are denied.
In the 1990s, a major developer could have bulldozed Stadium Merdeka, Stadium Negara and Victoria Institution. Fortunately, common sense prevailed: the historical sites went unmolested. Against this backdrop, Kuala Lumpur City Hall was implored to retain historical elements in redeveloping 139 areas to include memories of the original communities that had developed strong cultural roots and identity.
Progress cannot be allowed to destroy national heritage. The Urban Renewal Act (URA) has been touted as a pragmatic platform to redevelop dilapidated urban areas and improve quality of life.
Let's make one thing clear: rapid development is not a bad idea but capricious development is, especially if it damages historic neighbourhoods, hometowns and cities.
Malaysia has to at least stop constructing buildings that are later neglected to the point of deformity. Instead of demolishing, city fathers must create thoughtful urban design, strengthened by political will to overcome long-term short-sightedness.
In justifying development, the URA may prove to be a useful and powerful development tool but in its current framework, its deployment is reactionary, created to mend previous decades of myopic development decisions.
The Act's impact on property rights, gentrification and displacement of low-income residents cannot be overstated. Solutions are available: the URA's goals, procedures and impact must involve communities during planning and decision-making.
The URA should integrate with broader urban planning strategies because its complexities are underscored by strong arguments on both sides.
The ideal outcome is not only to redevelop and revitalise urban areas, but also protect residents' rights and well-being with fair compensation and spacious and liveable replacement housing.
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New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: Revitalising urban areas
IN a world where science and technology dominate, the old eventually make way for the new. Antiquated vehicles, buildings and infrastructure are rapidly demolished and replaced. Fashion is dictated by youthful trends, and new ideas bring fresh paradigms and ideologies. Tech startups are overhauling the way we work, play, love, eat and trade. The young, armed with more money, power and influence, tear through tradition, devoid of sentimentality. But they are persuaded to compromise: they are allowed to flatten swathes of the past provided they retain some of the ruins. For instance, the Porta de Santiago gate of the 15th century Portuguese fortress of A Famosa in Melaka, lies surrounded by a water theme park, safari, golf course, hotel and shopping mall. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation designated it a World Heritage site. In developing the BBCC Lalaport mall in Kuala Lumpur, the developers maintained the Pudu Jail main gate. Sometimes, developers are denied. In the 1990s, a major developer could have bulldozed Stadium Merdeka, Stadium Negara and Victoria Institution. Fortunately, common sense prevailed: the historical sites went unmolested. Against this backdrop, Kuala Lumpur City Hall was implored to retain historical elements in redeveloping 139 areas to include memories of the original communities that had developed strong cultural roots and identity. Progress cannot be allowed to destroy national heritage. The Urban Renewal Act (URA) has been touted as a pragmatic platform to redevelop dilapidated urban areas and improve quality of life. Let's make one thing clear: rapid development is not a bad idea but capricious development is, especially if it damages historic neighbourhoods, hometowns and cities. Malaysia has to at least stop constructing buildings that are later neglected to the point of deformity. Instead of demolishing, city fathers must create thoughtful urban design, strengthened by political will to overcome long-term short-sightedness. In justifying development, the URA may prove to be a useful and powerful development tool but in its current framework, its deployment is reactionary, created to mend previous decades of myopic development decisions. The Act's impact on property rights, gentrification and displacement of low-income residents cannot be overstated. Solutions are available: the URA's goals, procedures and impact must involve communities during planning and decision-making. The URA should integrate with broader urban planning strategies because its complexities are underscored by strong arguments on both sides. The ideal outcome is not only to redevelop and revitalise urban areas, but also protect residents' rights and well-being with fair compensation and spacious and liveable replacement housing.
The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
Humanitarian theme in MRCS parade
Ling (standing at podium) and Chua (right) watching the MRCS Sibu march-past in Tun Zaidi Stadium. THE Malaysia Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Sibu branch's Annual Inspection Parade 2025 held in Sibu town, Sarawak, carries on a proud community tradition. MRCS Sibu chairman Penghulu Chua Hiong Kee described the event as a celebration of the society members' discipline, unity and selflessness. 'The parade is a powerful symbol of our dedication to serving humanity. This lies at the very heart of MRCS Sibu,' he said. At the Tun Zaidi Stadium, members marched in precision and saluted beneath fluttering flags bearing the symbolic colours of the MRCS. Chua emphasised that these displays reflected a readiness to serve in hard times. 'These show our commitment to humanitarian services and our willingness to give selflessly in times of crises, without expecting anything in return. As long as there is a need, there will be someone wearing the Red Crescent emblem, and who is ready to serve, comfort and heal,' he added. Chua also explained MRCS Sibu's vision of nurturing young people through its ranks, with juniors becoming cadets and eventually graduating into the Voluntary Aid Detachment unit. This approach fosters lifelong contributors to the humanitarian sector, he noted. 'The impact of your good deeds is bigger than you will ever know. 'Let us move forward together with strength and purpose.' The parade highlighted this year's World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day theme 'On the Side of Humanity'. Chua said the theme symbolised the organisation's daily mission to put people first, act with compassion and serve all individuals regardless of background, status or belief. 'It is a call to stand firmly on the side of kindness and service,' he added. Sibu district education officer Ahli Chikba called on parents and community to continue to support the role of MRCS in schools. 'Encourage children to join uniformed bodies like MRCS, not just for Physical Activity, Sports and Co-Curriculum Assessment marks but to deepen the meaning of humanity and volunteerism,' he stated in his speech that was read out by his representative Jeremy Ling.
The Sun
5 days ago
- The Sun
DBKL urged to carefully examine historical elements to be retained in urban redevelopment
KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has been urged to carefully examine historical elements to be retained in urban redevelopment involving 139 identified areas, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He said the retention of historical elements is crucial to serve as memories, especially for the original residents of a place, in the pursuit of sustainable and resilient development. 'This area was once a squatter area consisting of wooden houses, due to relocation during the construction of the New Pantai Expressway (NPE). So, there is some history here because some residents, including my staff, were relocated to this area once upon a time. 'So, they have memories of growing up in this area, so that future generations know that before they were born, in previous generations, there was such a community. 'I believe this will help us have strong roots, including in terms of culture, identity, and memories of the place where we were born and raised,' he said. Fahmi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai, said this when met by reporters after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi at Pantai Sentral Park, developed by IJM Land and Amona Group, here today. Also present were DBKL Planning Executive Director Datuk Zulkurnain Hassan, IJM Land Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Datuk Tony Ling, and Director cum CEO of Amona Group, Datuk Che Hasnadi Che Hassan. Fahmi said that for Lembah Pantai, several areas including Taman Bukit Angkasa have been identified for redevelopment due to housing projects developed 30 to 40 years ago, whereby infrastructure, such as lifts, are now in a dilapidated and worn-out condition. 'To ensure that all residents, especially owners, benefit, we need clear laws. Therefore, DBKL's aspiration to assist in the redevelopment of these 139 areas around Kuala Lumpur needs to move in tandem with a new act, namely the Urban Renewal Act,' he said. Meanwhile, he said thousands of trees, including Meranti Damar, Meranti Daun, and Merawan Siput Jantan species, will be replanted at Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year. 'I have asked the developer to consider several aspects, including the history of the area, so that it can be incorporated into the design of the park. 'If we look at the Kuala Lumpur area, there are communities that have long been in certain areas before they were developed, and I hope here we can celebrate that history by incorporating it either in the design or the selection of trees. 'Once upon a time, the Kampung Kerinchi community informed that there were several areas used as places where the community came to find bamboo to be cut and sold, so maybe we can look at what species they are,' he said.
