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Sinar Daily
19-07-2025
- General
- Sinar Daily
Eyesores and health hazards: Abandoned buildings threaten public safety and image
KUALA LUMPUR – Resembling haunted houses from horror films, abandoned buildings from stalled projects to neglected heritage sites are a familiar sight across Malaysia. Overrun by thick bushes, with some even sprouting trees from within, these abandoned buildings are more than just eyesores. They pose serious risks to nearby communities, serving as breeding grounds for diseases like dengue and attracting dangerous animals such as snakes. Additionally, such buildings may become hotspots for immoral activities or drug abuse. The PKNS public flats in Jalan Kuching, comprising 15 blocks and 600 units, stand in a state of neglect, caught between abandonment and decay. Photo by Bernama Describing the issue as long-standing, experts believe it is time to resolve the problem, especially as Malaysia actively prepares for the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign. EYE-SORE AND HAZARD Sharing her view, Associate Professor Dr Norwati Jamaluddin from the Department of Civil Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) said abandoned buildings, whether unfinished development projects or heritage sites, should not be left to deteriorate. She noted that these neglected structures pose safety risks to the community and spoil the visual appeal of their surroundings. The PKNS public flats in Jalan Kuching, comprising 15 blocks and 600 units, stand in a state of neglect, caught between abandonment and decay. Photo by Bernama "Besides their dilapidated appearance, abandoned premises often create hazardous environments, with risks such as collapsing structures due to lack of maintenance. "They also tend to attract irresponsible individuals who engage in immoral activities such as vandalism, drug use and other crimes, leading to public unrest in the area,' she told Bernama. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa was previously reported as saying that a total of 48 abandoned premises and buildings had been identified around the capital as of Feb 20 this year. According to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), 25 of them were residential buildings, while the remaining 23 were commercial premises. She added that abandoned buildings are not limited to suburban areas but are also found in high-value commercial areas in the city centre, such as Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Pudu, and Jalan Gombak. "On Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah (Jalan Ipoh), several commercial residential units have been abandoned, reflecting urban decline or stalled development. Similarly, on Lorong Tiong Nam, many old, rundown shop lots are in poor condition,' she said. According to the National Housing Department, as of May 31, there are 17 static-category abandoned private housing projects nationwide – some dating back to 1989. Another 45 projects are in the process of being revived. Even government-owned buildings contribute to the issue – including the heritage-status Federal Court building opposite Dataran Merdeka and the old state government office complex in Teluk Intan, Perak. ECONOMIC VALUE Norwati stressed that abandoned properties drag down surrounding property values and can become an economic burden for agencies, including local authorities. "Foreign journal reports show that such abandoned properties can reduce the value of surrounding real estate by 6.5 to 20 per cent. "They also burden local councils through lost tax revenue and increased maintenance, restoration and enforcement costs,' she said. She also cited the Broken Windows Theory, which suggests that visible neglect signals deeper, systemic problems if left unresolved. "For example, if a structure continues to deteriorate, it could lead to higher losses down the line, especially if it requires complete reconstruction. "Even if most of these buildings are privately owned, the government's image still suffers due to perceived poor management,' she added. GROWING CONCERN Meanwhile, senior lecturer at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Ar Nasrudin Sharkawi, said the glut of abandoned buildings raises concerns over urban planning, property values and sustainability in the construction sector. He said such stalled projects reflect failures in coordination and implementation within Malaysia's construction industry. "There are several contributing factors – including impractical designs that ignore local context, resulting in projects failing to attract buyers or tenants even after completion." He said developers may also suffer from poor management, lack of transparency, labour shortages or failure to get approval from local authorities. Nasrudin added that delayed or cancelled funding, especially for government projects, can leave structures partially built and abandoned. If resumed later, costs often exceed original budgets due to theft, vandalism or damage at the site. "In a free market context, many luxury developments are planned without considering actual market demand. When investors fail to see returns, buildings are left empty and become derelict,' he added. Heritage buildings, he said, face a similar dilemma – caught between preservation and adapting for modern use. A COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION Nasrudin called for an integrated, holistic approach from relevant agencies to tackle the root causes of abandoned buildings. He urged the Housing Ministry (KPKT), state governments and local councils to create a centralised, regularly updated database of abandoned projects for better planning and redevelopment. "A full audit of each building should also be conducted – assessing damage, ownership status, and potential for adaptive reuse. Buildings should be categorised for repair, reuse or controlled demolition.' He also suggested reviewing strata ownership and inheritance laws, which often complicate redevelopment efforts. To encourage restoration, he proposed tax incentives, low-interest loans, and public-private partnerships. Vacant buildings could also be temporarily repurposed as storage areas, pop-up shops, or art spaces. This aligns with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's proposal to review and reuse government-owned vacant properties for community benefit – including as shelters for the homeless and hardcore poor. Nasrudin further recommended penalties for private owners who leave buildings in hazardous conditions. "Neglecting buildings too long affects property value, public safety, and the area's image. "In the meantime, interim use can help reduce urban decay,' he said. - BERNAMA
India Today
15-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
IIT Guwahati launches MTech in flood and water management for professionals
The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati has announced a new MTech degree in Flood and Water Resources for working professionals and graduates, the programme aims to build expertise in addressing modern challenges related to water scarcity, flood control and sustainable two-year programme will be offered in a hybrid format -- live online classes, with laboratory sessions and final exams The course has been developed by the Department of Civil Engineering and is particularly suited to those already working in the water resources application portal is now open, and interested candidates can apply until July 31. The first batch of classes will begin on August GATE REQUIRED, MULTIPLE EXIT OPTIONSIn a move to make it accessible to more learners, the programme does not require a GATE score for admission. Candidates will be selected based on a written test or interview conducted by IIT must have a four-year Bachelor's degree in Civil, Agricultural Engineering or allied disciplines, with at least 60% marks and one year of experience in the water resources field. There is no age limit for programme includes multiple entry and exit points, allowing learners to earn recognised certifications at various stages. After completing four courses, students can exit with a Postgraduate courses will earn a PG Diploma, ten courses across two semesters will lead to a Master of Science (Engineering), and completing the full four semesters and capstone project will result in an MTech TO FIT PROFESSIONAL SCHEDULES'All classes will be recorded for flexible learning. Laboratory work and final evaluations will be held on campus, ensuring hands-on training and expert guidance,' said the institute. Students will also have opportunities to visit the IIT Guwahati campus for practical experience and project Hemant B Kaushik, Dean of Online Education and Skilling, IIT Guwahati, said, 'As climate risks intensify, flood events become more frequent, and water resources face mounting stress, the demand for skilled professionals in this domain has never been greater."He also said that the new Mtech programme is designed to empower working professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to tackle these challenges.'With a flexible structure and strong academic foundation, it allows learners to advance their careers without disrupting their professional commitments,' he FOR CLIMATE CHALLENGESThe semester-based programme focuses on integrated and sustainable water resource management. Students will be trained in hydrological modelling, GIS, flood forecasting and climate adaptation techniques across different geographical and economic will be well-positioned to work with government agencies, international bodies, consultancies, and research institutions focused on climate resilience and water link to apply for MTech in flood and water management for professionalsFor more information or to apply, visit Ends
Barnama
12-06-2025
- General
- Barnama
From Burden To Asset: Tackle Abandoned Buildings, Say Experts
R esembling haunted houses from horror films, abandoned buildings — from stalled projects to neglected heritage sites — are a familiar sight across Malaysia. Overrun by thick bushes — with some even sprouting trees from within — these abandoned buildings are more than just eyesores. They pose serious risks to nearby communities, serving as breeding grounds for diseases like dengue and attracting dangerous animals such as snakes. Additionally, such buildings may become hotspots for immoral activities or drug abuse. Describing the issue as long-standing, experts believe it is time to resolve the problem, especially as Malaysia actively prepares for the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign. EYE-SORE AND HAZARD Sharing her view, Associate Professor Dr Norwati Jamaluddin from the Department of Civil Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), said abandoned buildings — whether unfinished development projects or heritage sites — should not be left to deteriorate. She noted that these neglected structures pose safety risks to the community and spoil the visual appeal of their surroundings. 'Besides their dilapidated appearance, abandoned premises often create hazardous environments, with risks such as collapsing structures due to lack of maintenance. 'They also tend to attract irresponsible individuals who engage in immoral activities such as vandalism, drug use, and other crimes, leading to public unrest in the area,' she told Bernama. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, was previously reported as saying that a total of 48 abandoned premises and buildings had been identified around the capital as of Feb 20 this year. She said that, according to the latest records from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), 25 of them were residential buildings, while the remaining 23 were commercial premises. She added that abandoned buildings are not limited to suburban areas but are also found in high-value commercial areas in the city centre, such as Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Pudu, and Jalan Gombak. 'On Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah (Jalan Ipoh), several commercial residential units have been abandoned, reflecting urban decline or stalled development. Similarly, on Lorong Tiong Nam, many old, rundown shop lots are in poor condition,' she was quoted as saying. According to the National Housing Department, as of May 31, there are 17 static-category abandoned private housing projects nationwide — some dating back to 1989. The department also noted that 45 other projects are in the process of being revived. Apart from private commercial and residential properties, abandoned government-owned premises also contribute to the problem — such as the heritage-status Federal Court building opposite Dataran Merdeka, reported to be abandoned in January. Similarly, the state government office complex on Jalan Changkat Jong in Teluk Intan, Perak — once a bustling centre for official affairs — now stands unused. ECONOMIC VALUE Norwati stressed that abandoned properties drag down surrounding property values and can become an economic burden for agencies, including local authorities. 'Foreign journal reports show that such abandoned properties can reduce the value of surrounding real estate by 6.5 per cent to 20 per cent. 'They also burden local councils through lost tax revenue and increased maintenance, restoration, and enforcement costs,' she added. She also linked abandoned buildings to the Broken Windows Theory, which suggests that visible neglect signals deeper, systemic problems if left unresolved. 'For example, if a structure continues to deteriorate, it could lead to higher losses down the line, especially if it requires complete reconstruction. 'Even if most of these buildings are privately owned, the government's image still suffers due to perceived poor management,' she said, adding that the government should assess whether to reuse, demolish, or rebuild on such sites. GROWING CONCERN Meanwhile, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Ar Nasrudin Sharkawi, said the glut of abandoned buildings raises concerns over urban planning, property values, and sustainability in the construction sector. He acknowledged that such stalled projects reflect failures in coordination and implementation within Malaysia's construction industry. 'There are several contributing factors — including impractical designs that ignore local context, resulting in projects failing to attract buyers or tenants even after completion. He added that there could also be issues of non-transparency or weaknesses in project management by developers, including financial problems, labour shortages, internal conflicts among contractors, or failure to obtain technical approval from local authorities (PBT). He also noted that delayed or cancelled funding — particularly for government projects — can leave structures partially built and abandoned. If such projects are later resumed, the cost of completing them is often higher than the original budget due to additional expenses such as repairing damage, vandalism, or theft at unmonitored sites. 'In a free market context, many commercial and luxury residential developments are planned without considering actual market demand, leading to oversupply. When investors fail to see returns, buildings are left empty and, over time, become derelict,' he added. Heritage buildings, he said, face similar issues — caught between preservation and adapting to modern uses. 'This indirectly leads to an oversupply of units that remain unsold or unleased. When investors fail to obtain the expected returns, the buildings are left vacant — and if they continue to be neglected over time without any maintenance, they eventually become abandoned structures, contributing to the physical deterioration of the surrounding environment,' he said. He added that similar issues also affect heritage buildings, which are caught between the need to preserve their historical value and the challenge of adapting them for modern use. In many cases, he noted, efforts to restore such buildings are hampered by various problems, including legal constraints, overly strict conservation guidelines, and a lack of appropriate incentives for building owners. 'Preservation efforts often face legal, bureaucratic, or financial obstacles. Strict conservation guidelines and lack of suitable incentives make it difficult for owners to rehabilitate these structures,' he said. A COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION Nasrudin called for an integrated, holistic approach from relevant agencies to address the root causes of abandoned buildings. He urged the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), state governments, and local authorities to collaborate on a centralised database listing all abandoned buildings and stalled projects. This database should be regularly updated and made accessible to relevant agencies for planning and redevelopment purposes. 'A full audit of each building should also be conducted — assessing the extent of damage, ownership status, and potential for adaptive reuse. Buildings should be categorised for repair, reuse, or controlled demolition,' he said. He also recommended a review of strata ownership and inheritance laws, particularly for buildings owned by multiple parties, which often hinder restoration efforts. State governments, he added, could offer tax incentives, development charge exemptions, or low-interest loans to owners or investors looking to revive abandoned buildings. Public-private partnerships could also be pursued for strategic redevelopment. KPKT is encouraged to draft a national policy promoting the reuse of old or government-owned buildings for new purposes, such as co-working spaces, community centres, cultural venues, or other suitable uses. This aligns with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's proposal to review all unused spaces and buildings owned by government agencies, government-linked investment companies (GLICs), and government-linked companies (GLCs) for potential repurposing. Anwar previously suggested that vacant properties — including former teachers' quarters and abandoned housing — could be redeveloped as shelters for the homeless and hardcore poor. Nasrudin also suggested that local councils could impose penalties on owners who leave buildings abandoned and hazardous to public safety. 'Owners must understand that neglecting buildings for too long negatively affects property value, public safety, and the image of the area. 'In the meantime, interim use can be considered — such as leasing the space temporarily for storage, pop-up shops, art studios, or exhibitions. This could help curb the spread of abandonment,' he added. -- BERNAMA
The Hindu
10-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Forum to conduct social audit of NH 66 project in Kozhikode
The Registered Engineers and Supervisors' Federation (RENSFED) is planning to conduct a social audit of the ongoing National Highway (NH) 66 construction project in Kozhikode district and identify the spots that could pose a threat in the future. It was announced at a seminar on technical and environmental issues associated with the NH construction on Tuesday against the backdrop of several recent instances in which the NH had caved in across the State, especially in Malappuram district. Ahammad Devarkovil, MLA, inaugurated the seminar. A panel of experts, including T.P. Somasundaran and S. Chandrakaran, former heads of the Department of Civil Engineering at National Institute of Technology-Calicut; Suresh Babu N., former head of the Department of Civil Engineering at Government Polytechnic, Kozhikode; and environmental activist Manalil Mohanan, were part of the discussions. The panel claimed that the technology used in the construction of the highway did not fail, but the faults in implementation and supervision had caused the damage in most places. It noted that enough time was not given for the soil at the base to settle down before huge structures were built on it. The companies that carried out the construction should have given due consideration to the flow of water and the geographical peculiarities of Kerala, they noted. 'There are areas similar to Kooriyad in Kozhikode district through which the NH passes. So they are also vulnerable in the same manner. Through the social audit, we plan to bring such issues to the notice of the authorities. It is up to them whether to accept it or not,' said K.K. Sudheesh Kumar, district secretary of RENSFED. Some major defects on the NH that were pointed out in the seminar included lack of drainage in the carriageway, allowing water to fall directly on service roads and unscientific soil nailing without considering the nature of the soil. 'No proper study has been conducted in places where the NH collapsed to determine if the viaducts were suitable there,' Mr. Kumar said.
The Hindu
09-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Beaches cleaned as part of World Oceans Day celebrations
As part of World Oceans Day, various organisations and individuals came together to clean the city's beaches on Sunday. The Ocean Society of India in collaboration with the Department of Civil Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, organised a clean-up drive on the Kovalam beach, with the theme 'Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us'. Equipped with gloves and reusable bags, participants removed around 250 kg of plastic waste, discarded fishing gear, glass bottles, and other types of litter from the beach, which will be sent for scientific analysis as part of ongoing research into marine litter and microplastics. Pravakar Mishra, former Scientist-G at National Centre for Coastal Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Puzhgalenthi, inspector of the Coastal Security Group, Tamil Nadu Police, and Shobana Thangam, president of the Kovalam Panchayat, and R. Nagalakshmi, Program Coordinator and Associate Professor were among those present, a press release said. Around 30 volunteers of Greenpeace India came together at Elliot's Beach at Besant Nagar and removed 100 kg of waste. An artwork depicting an Olive Ridley turtle was displayed to highlight the critical role oceans play in sustaining biodiversity, regulating the climate, and supporting coastal communities. 'From the sands of Besant Nagar to the shores of Kerala, the ocean connects us all. Today's clean-up drive in Chennai was not just about collecting waste — it was a moment of collective care, led by local volunteers who know the ocean is their lifeline,' said Yasin Fahmidha, campaigner at Greenpeace India, in a press release. Another release said staff of ibis Chennai SIPCOT and ibis Chennai City Centre and volunteers took part in a beach clean-up drive in collaboration with the Environmentalist Foundation of India. 'Chennai's coast is a vital part of the city's identity, economy, and ecology. Through this initiative, we aimed to not only clean the beaches but also ignite conversations around sustainability and community involvement,' said Tejus Jose, director of operations, ibis and ibis Styles India.
