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The Star
6 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
MBDK revives heritage gems to boost tourism
KLANG's rich history is getting a modern makeover as the city earmarks iconic buildings and landmarks for revival under its Citra Warisan programme. The initiative by the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) earlier this year, is to transform historical sites into vibrant community hubs with the aim to attract tourists and foster local pride. First on the list of buildings that was revitalised was the double-decked Jambatan Kota (Kota Bridge). Built between 1958 and 1960, this engineering marvel once played a crucial role in Klang's growth. Kota Raja Mahadi, a popular spot for photos, will get a new coat of paint. Today, after a substantial RM700,000 refurbishment by MBDK, the bridge is no longer just a thoroughfare, but a cherished historical landmark. Its lower deck remains open to pedestrians and cyclists, drawing visitors who want to connect with the city's architectural legacy. Klang mayor Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain said this effort was a key part of supporting the city's cultural revitalisation and the broader Malaysia Madani vision. 'Citra Warisan Klang plays also an important part in the city's heritage tourism. 'Our records show that the bridge was officially opened in 1961 by Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, in conjunction with his coronation as the ninth Sultan of Selangor. Ng (right) talking about placemaking with Abd Hamid during a site visit to Jambatan Kota. 'As locals and tourists visit this landmark, it breathes new life into the stories of Klang's historic past,' he said. Interestingly, Jambatan Kota was constructed by Dorman Long Engineering Ltd, the same company behind Australia's iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. By combining historical preservation with thoughtful placemaking, Klang is not just preserving its past — it's building a vibrant city, said Abd Hamid. 'Our aim is a long-term vision to create a city that is not only liveable, but lovable.' Taman Pengkalan Batu off Jalan Tepi Sungai will be spruced up as part of the Citra Warisan programme. Breathing life into old spaces The Citra Warisan programme, added Abd Hamid, went beyond the bridge, targeting other culturally significant areas like Klang's Little India, Jalan Stesen and Taman Pengkalan Batu. The plan, he said, was to create pedestrian-friendly zones and vibrant community spaces that celebrate local culture in these areas. 'Citra Warisan is a vision to transform alleys, parks and other public spaces into vibrant community hubs by incorporating elements that reflect the local culture, providing opportunities for recreation and relaxation, and encouraging tourists to visit,' he said. A successful example of this 'adaptive reuse' can be seen at Jalan Stesen 1, where a pre-war building has been converted into a hotel. 'Hotels in pre-war buildings offer an uncommon experience. 'The combination of historical charm and modern comforts attracts tourists seeking authentic and memorable stays. A hotel housed in a pre-war building at Jalan Stesen 1. 'Hotels converted from former coffee trading shops has its own unique story,' said Abd Hamid. This approach, as MBDK Urban Planning Department director Yusrina Mohamad Yusof said, not only preserved cultural heritage, but also created unique destinations that attract tourists. 'It breathes new life into old structures and revitalises urban areas. 'It is adaptive reuse, not only preserves cultural heritage, but also creates unique and desirable destinations,' she said. 'It involves carefully integrating modern amenities while respecting the building's original character, contributing to a sense of place and enhancing the surrounding community,' she added. Owners of Klang's Little India shops will also have to spruce up the exteriors of their respective buildings. A more liveable city Selangor local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim commended MBDK's efforts, noting that this approach to placemaking could have a significant positive impact on local economies and the overall quality of life. 'Creating pedestrian-friendly zones, hosting local food events and incorporating local culture can have a positive impact on local economies and social interactions. 'We have noticed creative uses of pre-war shops as art galleries as well as traditional bake shops drawing both domestic and foreign visitors. 'Allowing new use of old buildings, creates opportunities for locals to showcase their talents and skills, such as through artisan shops, can enhance a sense of ownership and pride,' he added. Tourism Selangor chief executive officer Chua Yee Ling echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the Citra Warisan programme aligned with the state's tourism goals, including the #SelangorkanAda! and #SuprisingSelangor! campaigns for Visit Selangor 2025. Chua: Citra Warisan programme aligns with the state's tourism goals. 'The goal is to attract eight million tourists to Selangor by the end of this year. 'Keeping the architectural details of pre-war shops and repurposing the space reduces waste and the environmental impact of new construction, making it a sustainable choice,' she said.
The Star
2 days ago
- General
- The Star
A swath of stripes in Balik Pulau
Flying the flag: Abd Hamid and wife Juriah decorating their yard with Jalur Gemilang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star BALIK PULAU: Believing that even a single Jalur Gemilang can ignite a sense of pride, former army personnel Abd Hamid Hussin has adorned his home in Kampung Titi Teras with thousands of flags. With his colourful home now a familiar sight during the Merdeka season, Abd Hamid hopes it will inspire others to fly the national flag as a show of patriotism. 'Nowadays, not many people, especially the younger generation, display the flag. 'I feel it's important to keep the spirit of patriotism alive,' he said when met at his house yesterday. Abd Hamid, 74, and his wife Juriah Samat, 61, spent several days arranging flags of various sizes to ensure they flutter across their yard. 'We took a few days to complete the display. Each year, I set aside about RM300 to buy new flags, while some are used flags from previous years. 'My wife helped buy the flags from nearby convenience shops this year. 'She is just as passionate as I am.' Abd Hamid said putting up the flags for National Day serves as a reminder – to him and others – of the struggles and sacrifices that built the nation. The grandfather of 12 said he has been carrying out this tradition for more than 15 years – a habit rooted in his days as a soldier, when discipline, respect for the country, and unity were instilled in him. 'Flying the flag is not just about decoration. It is about remembering our history, our struggles, and the sacrifices made by those before us,' he said. As he watches the Jalur Gemilang flutter in the breeze, Abd Hamid says he will continue the tradition for as long as he is able to. 'We may not be able to do grand things for the country, but small acts like these can keep the spirit burning.'
The Star
31-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Klang council exploring ways to revive Boss suites project
Construction of The Boss Service Suites (right) on Jalan Batu Tiga Lama, Klang, was halted at the 26th floor in 2014. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star KLANG Royal City Council (MBDK) is looking at ways to resurrect The Boss Service Suites, a multi-million ringgit project left abandoned for more than a decade. Mayor Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain said MBDK would hold discussions with the Selangor government on steps the city council could initiate to revive the project. 'Reviving The Boss Service Suites is essential, and exploring feasible strategies for its completion is a priority. 'I will discuss with (state local government and tourism committee chairman) Datuk Ng Suee Lim to seek ideas on the approach MBDK could take to help relevant parties revive the project,' he said. The Boss Service Suites, launched in 2010, was designed as a 28-storey high-rise featuring 377 hotel suites and 62 retail units along Jalan Batu Tiga Lama, Klang. However, construction was halted at the 26th floor in 2014, leaving the retail units 90% complete. Despite an 80% take-up rate prior to its abandonment, the project now stands as a 'sick' development in Selangor. Abd Hamid says there is no confirmation of a successful revival or takeover. 'There is no confirmation of a successful revival or takeover. 'The building remains largely incomplete,' said Abd Hamid. He said the city council intended to facilitate discussions among affected buyers, developers and potential 'white knights', working alongside Housing and Local Government Ministry and the state housing departments. 'If a viable rescue plan emerges, the council will expedite approvals and provide infrastructure support or incentives,' he said. According to records from the appointed liquidator, KPMG Transaction and Restructuring Sdn Bhd, the project was sold with a Sale and Purchase Agreement signed on June 2, 2017. However, the mayor said MBDK had not received details and that revival efforts hinged on court proceedings for debt settlement. He highlighted structural safety concerns, as the building had been exposed to the elements over the past 10 years. 'Only a certified structural engineer can determine if the building is safe or requires demolition,' he said.
The Star
09-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Klang folk urged to donate blood to address shortage
Abd Hamid (seated) has his blood pressure checked at the blood donation campaign in Klang. Free use of council halls to help HTAR meet annual target of 39,600 bags, says mayor KLANG'S Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah (HTAR) is experiencing a shortage of blood supply as 800 bags are needed every month for emergency and critical treatments. HTAR Medical Department Blood Transfusion head Dr Afif Alam Faizli said the hospital needed about 3,300 blood bags each month but was only able to collect around 2,500 bags from donors. 'In a month, we collaborate with an estimated 30 private agencies and collect 2,200 to 2,500 bags, but it is below the 3,300 bags needed,' he said, during a blood donation event at Klang Royal City Council's (MBDK) hall in Bandar Bukit Raja. Dr Afif said a total of 17,598 blood bags were collected between January and July, which is still insufficient to meet HTAR's target of 39,600 bags annually. He said there was frequent shortage of some blood types, such as O negative, due to their universal compatibility in emergency situations. Blood collected at HTAR is also distributed to other government hospitals in Tanjung Karang, Banting and Shah Alam when needed, he added. Donors waiting for their health screening before donating blood. Klang mayor Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain. who launched the event, called on Klang residents to become donors to help close the shortfall. 'I urge Klangites to register as blood donors. Step forward and give blood to help save and improve lives, as new donors are needed daily to help people in emergencies,' he said. Abd Hamid said MBDK was willing to offer council halls as the venue for blood donation campaigns, free of charge. The recent campaign was organised by 99 Speed Mart Retail Holdings Bhd in collaboration with HTAR and MBDK, with 44 hospital staff including five doctors attending. A total of 800 people turned up, but only 614 were eligible to donate, mainly due to health conditions such as seasonal illnesses or fatigue from night shifts, Dr Afif said. Donors underwent a health screening which included weight, blood pressure and haemoglobin tests to ensure they were fit to donate. HTAR Clinical Services senior director Dr Pamela Sivapasthasundram said these screenings were essential to safeguard both donors and recipients.
The Sun
05-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
Klang aims to cut 20% river waste sent to landfills
KLANG: The Royal Klang City Council (MBDK) says the target to reduce 20 per cent of waste from Sungai Klang sent to landfills is realistic and progressing well, as set by Selangor Maritime Gateway master (SMG) developer Landasan Lumayan Sdn Bhd (LLSB). MBDK Mayor Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain cited positive results from the Waste Sorting Facility in Sungai Pinang, which has been operational since December, diverting four metric tonnes of recyclable plastic waste. He said MBDK will intensify recycling education at the grassroots level, particularly in schools, and roll out programmes to promote proper household waste disposal, thereby reducing landfill-bound recyclables. 'These efforts will help lower MBDK's waste transport costs and free up funds for other community needs,' he added. Abd Hamid also welcomed collaboration with the private and government sectors to boost recycling campaigns, plastic bag-free initiatives and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). LLSB managing director Syaiful Azmen Nordin earlier noted the waste sorting technology's promising impact in reducing plastic waste in landfills since its launch. - Bernama
