Tuanku Tengku Fauziah Repository Centre poised to become tourist attraction in Perlis
KANGAR: The Tuanku Tengku Fauziah Repository Centre (National Library of Malaysia-Perlis), in Kuala Perlis, has the potential to become another tourist attraction in the state.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said that the repository centre could attract the presence of both local and international visitors, as well as researchers, which will boost the state's tourism sector and positively impact Perlis' economic growth, particularly in the services and cultural industries.
He said that he had presented the matter to the Cabinet on May 14, 2025.
'Following the discussion, the Cabinet recommended that the design of the repository centre be expanded and upgraded, to better reflect the esteemed status of the Royal Institution, which has long been a symbol of national prestige and heritage,' he said.
Aaron said this at the opening ceremony of the Tuanku Tengku Fauziah Repository Centre, today, which was graced by the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail. Also present was the Raja Perempuan of Perlis, Tuanku Tengku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Rashid.
Meanwhile, Aaron said that the repository centre has established Perlis as the national collection external storage centre for the Northern Zone, facilitating access to library materials acquired under the Deposit of Library Material Act 1986 (Act 331).
'This will give residents of the Northern states greater access to rich and diverse information resources, for learning, research, and knowledge development,' he added.
In addition, he said that the repository centre supports the National Library of Malaysia (PNM) in preserving the country's intellectual heritage. The facility serves as a well-organised and conducive storage centre, ensuring that Malaysia's intellectual, historical, and cultural materials are safeguarded, for reference by current and future generations.
Aaron expressed hope that the repository centre will become a landmark of knowledge, heritage, and national pride, as well as a catalyst for building Malaysia MADANI.
He added that the construction of the centre began on Oct 25, 2022, and was successfully completed on April 15 last year, at a cost of RM2.8 million, fully funded by the trust fund of the Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Negeri Perlis (PPANPs).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Focus Malaysia
8 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
Madani slammed for EV perks to rich, burden on poor
THE Madani government's push for electric vehicles (EVs) was initially praised, as EVs are seen as better for the environment than fuel-powered cars. However, the high prices of EVs have made them unaffordable for most Malaysians — especially since almost 35% of formal workers earn less than RM2,000 a month. Under current policies, EVs are exempt from import and excise duties until the end of this year. This has triggered criticism on social media. Some users on X pointed out that while EV buyers — often the wealthy — get to enjoy tax-free benefits, regular Malaysians who buy fuel-run cars must still pay high taxes. One user said that someone buying a locally made car like the Proton Saga would still pay around RM15,000 in excise and sales taxes. Many Malaysians need a car just to go to work, especially in a car-dependent country like Malaysia. Meanwhile, luxury EVs like the Porsche Taycan — which costs RM675,000 — are completely tax-free. When a low-income M'sian buys a Proton Saga, he pays RM15,375 in excise & sales tax. But when a rich man buys an EV Porsche Taycan, he pays zero — saving over RM600,000. Tesla Model 3 saves RM225k. BYD Dolphin saves RM120k. Well done, Madani. Reward the rich, tax the poor. — khalid karim STEMKITA (@khalidkarim) June 6, 2025 To put things into perspective, that car costs nearly as much as the median house price in the Klang Valley, which is around RM745,000. Another user pointed out that even if Malaysians pay less income tax than in some countries, they still end up paying a lot of 'indirect' taxes on daily goods and services. Malaysia's income tax may be lower than many countries but we pay a lot more indirect taxes — 1negara (@1negara1) June 7, 2025 Many Malaysians online feel that the current EV policy seems to benefit the rich while leaving the poor behind. There's growing frustration over why Malaysia has set an RM100,000 minimum price for EVs — especially since brands like BYD offer much cheaper EVs in places like Thailand and China. This price gap has raised concerns about fairness and accessibility in Malaysia's EV market. — June 7, 2025 Main photo credit: Shutterstock
The Star
12 hours ago
- The Star
National Youth Day celebration to showcase elements of Asean
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Youth Day (HBN) celebration on June 13-15 will be unique as it will showcase elements of Asean, in line with Malaysia's Chairmanship of Asean 2025. The HBN secretariat said the programme for the celebration at Dataran Merdeka includes the Asean Pavillion and Asean Concert to create the spirit of the Asean community and strengthen the culture of Asean countries among the youth. "The role of youth is seen as vital to strengthening Asean's regional network, particularly future collaborations in the fields of economy, leadership, education, technological innovation and social. In fact, youth can also act as junior ambassadors who can elevate the country's image globally,' it said in a statement. Themed "Yakin Boleh' (Believe You Can), the highlight of the 61st HBN celebration will be attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who will officiate the event and present the 2025 National Premier Youth Award (APBN) on June 14. "The theme illustrates the confidence, capability and competitiveness of the youth in facing challenges, including that of the current digital era. This theme also aligns with the Madani government's efforts to empower youths through various strategic initiatives as well as the values of confidence within the Madani framework,' it added. With the targeted presence of 4 million visitors, the Youth and Sports Ministry, through the National Youth and Sports Department (JBSN), has activated the HBN celebration at the grassroots level by implementing the Semarak HBN initiative in 113 districts nationwide since May 15. At the national level, the Semarak HBN initiative has been further enlivened by the inclusion of the National Youth Convention; eSports games and activities; career and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) carnivals; as well as programmes on fitness, leadership, arts, music and culture and awareness of mental health and cyberbullying. Other programmes include the Suara Belia (Voice of the Youth) podcast; the recitation of the Malaysian Youth Pledge at various levels; the 2025 HBN Special Islamic Affairs Premier Forum; and the implementation of Special Friday sermons nationwide through the collaboration of the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim) and State Islamic Religious departments. "Conceptualised as a festival and based on 15 segments/ports, it is an initiative with a 'youth for youth' approach that is designed to meet the needs and wants of today's youth. This structured programme is also based on the 10 elements of the Rakan Muda lifestyle,' the HBN secretariat added.- Bernama
Malay Mail
13 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Penang defends 5pc housing discount for Indian Muslims, says Bumiputera quota untouched
GEORGE TOWN, June 7 — The offer of a five per cent discount for first-time homebuyers from the Indian Muslim community in Penang does not involve units under the Bumiputera quota and does not affect any existing home ownership policies, said state executive councillor Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo. Sundarajoo, who is in charge of housing and environment, said the initiative is part of efforts to expand home ownership opportunities in the open market, particularly for groups with low participation rates, without affecting the rights of other communities. 'This discount is being offered as a form of corporate social responsibility by developers and does not involve any financial support or subsidy from the state government. 'The state government would like to emphasise that all existing housing policies, including the Bumiputera quota and various incentives for first-time homebuyers, remain intact and will continue to be enforced,' he said in a statement today in response to criticism from several quarters regarding the discount. Last Thursday, Sundarajoo announced a five per cent discount incentive for the Indian Muslim community for the purchase of residential and commercial units under the MADANI Home Ownership Campaign (MOC), which is effective from June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026. Other initiatives include the introduction of a special housing category, Rumah MutiaraKu Type D (RMKu D), with a maximum price of RM400,000, and a reduction in contribution rates for developers who do not physically build RMKu Type A or B units — from RM120,000 to RM100,000 in areas under the Penang Island City Council, and from RM120,000 to RM72,500 under the Seberang Perai City Council. Sundarajoo said the five per cent discount is an additional measure complementing various existing programmes already in place to meet housing needs in the state. He explained that it is an intervention to help reinvigorate the property sector following discussions and consensus among housing industry stakeholders, taking into account the growing concern over the oversupply of non-affordable units in Penang. 'According to the Q4 2024 Penang State Property Market Report issued by the National Property Information Centre, 2,796 residential units were identified as overhang, involving various types of properties across the state,' he said. In addition to improving housing accessibility, he said the initiative also aims to revitalise the property sector affected by rising construction and labour costs, in line with the state government's aspiration to achieve more balanced, sustainable and inclusive development in Penang. — Bernama
