Latest news with #Islamic-inspired
Daily Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Kelantan ranks second safest state after Sabah: Deputy MB
Published on: Thursday, July 17, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 17, 2025 Text Size: KOTA BHARU: Kelantan is now the second safest state in Malaysia after Sabah, with only 96 index crime cases per 100,000 residents, said Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohamed Fadzli Hassan ( pic ) in a Facebook post on Thursday. He said the latest statistics from January to June 2025 showed a 14.3 per cent drop in index crimes, from 1,129 cases to 967. Advertisement Fadzli credited the improvement to the state government's integrated policies and the police's strong commitment to safeguarding public safety. He described Kelantan as a model for other states in prioritising safety and community wellbeing through consistent and coordinated efforts. Despite persistent negative perceptions, he said Kelantan's progress deserves greater recognition as evidence of the state's ongoing social development. He added that the state's achievements reflect the success of its Islamic-inspired governance model and close collaboration with enforcement agencies and the community. Fadzli also called on the Federal Government to consider building security walls at key points along the Malaysia-Thailand border to curb cross-border crime and enhance national safety. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Straits Times
15-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Malaysia's love affair with skyscrapers
Kuala Lumpur is home to one of the highest numbers of skyscrapers in the world. PHOTO: AFP KUALA LUMPUR - When tourists first step foot in Malaysia, at the top of their itinerary is usually to pay a visit to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. The unique marvel takes the front cover of almost every Malaysian travel brochure. However, since 2023, when The Exchange TRX first opened its doors, followed by Merdeka 118 in 2024, Malaysia has a lot more to offer modern architecture-wise. So, why is the country so passionate about its skyscrapers? Is everyone here simply bursting with creativity and it needs to burst out in the form of skyscrapers? It is like an endless love affair that deserves to be delved into. To understand Malaysia's skyscraper craze, it is necessary to look at its rapid development over the last few decades. The country gained significant growth after gaining independence in 1957, especially during the booming 1990s. This was the time when the first high-rise buildings broke ground, like Menara Kuala Lumpur which was finished in 1996. It is important to remember that to the population at the time, each new skyscraper was not merely about height but rather its representation of Malaysia's journey toward modernisation and national identity. Skyscrapers are not just pretty to look at. They actually play a pretty major role in boosting the Malaysian economy. Towering buildings attract businesses and tourists, as well as create jobs and enhance urban areas. Kuala Lumpur (KL) is home to one of the highest numbers of skyscrapers in the world, which creates a bustling atmosphere that supports local businesses. The government actively encourages high-rise construction through various programmes, recognising the benefits these buildings can bring to the economy. For many Malaysians, our skyscrapers are symbols of pride. They reflect the country's aspirations and dreams of a modern future. Buildings like the Petronas Towers are not just part of the skyline. During national celebrations, these structures brilliantly and dazzlingly light up, reminding citizens of our shared journey and progress. It is like the buildings are standing tall as a testament to what Malaysia has accomplished. The future looks bright for skyscrapers in Malaysia, with exciting projects on the horizon. Builders are now focusing on smart, green technologies to ensure that future skyscrapers not only look good, but also have a positive impact on the environment. One of the most interesting facts about Malaysia's skyscrapers is how effortlessly modern designs are integrated with cultural elements. For those who enjoy the stories behind buildings, Malaysian skyscrapers are not just all glass and steel. The Petronas Twin Towers, once the tallest in the world, are iconic symbols of KL. Completed in 1998, they stand at 452m and feature a unique Islamic-inspired design. The towers are connected by a sky bridge at the 41st and 42nd floors, which serves both structural and aesthetic purposes. Reportedly, the engineering challenge was figuring out how to build on unstable ground. Hence, a deep foundation was constructed, making it an impressive feat of modern engineering. Menara KL, more commonly known as KL Tower, was finished in 1996 and stands out at 421m. It essentially functions as a communications tower as well as a popular tourist destination. Its design is inspired by Islamic architecture, characterised by a sleek, tapering form. One of its engineering highlights is its ability to withstand strong winds, thanks to the innovative use of a reinforced concrete core. The tower also features a revolving restaurant that offers panoramic views of the city, a feat that leaves it bustling with tourists day in and day out. Opened in 2023, The Exchange TRX is an integral part of KL's financial district and features a design emphasising sustainability and functionality. The 445.5m building incorporates energy-efficient systems and green spaces, aiming for a significant reduction in carbon footprint. Its architectural design nicely blends in with the urban landscape and Malaysian sentiment towards the ambitious project has been positive because of the incredible sustainability efforts included in its concept. As a result, TRX has been dubbed a notable advancement in eco-friendly skyscraper design. In the case of Merdeka 118, the famous skyscraper has certainly been making its rounds in newspaper headlines. It was featured in Marvel Studios' latest superhero film, 'Thunderbolts'. Including its tip, the oddly proportioned building is 678.9m tall. It can be considered novelty architecture, which covers buildings with unusual shapes to become landmarks. The structure employs cutting-edge engineering techniques to ensure stability and resilience against seismic activities, showcasing how modern technology can harmonise with cultural threads. The less talked about Menara Maybank has some interesting design elements as well. Completed in 1988, Maybank Tower was the tallest building in KL as well as Malaysia at 244m, around half the height of the Petronas Twin Towers. Today, the tower remains a prominent part of the city's skyline. It is characterised by its distinctive triangular shape and is designed to maximise natural light. The building features a unique suspension system that allows it to adapt to environmental conditions, representing an early example of innovative engineering in the region. It is worth noting that the bank is moving from its famed headquarters to Merdeka 118. These skyscrapers have truly showcased Malaysia's remarkable engineering prowess while also reflecting Malaysia's evolving identity and aspirations, intertwining culture, economy and environmental considerations into their designs. While many question the price to bear of constructing these supertalls, they do their part in bringing global attention and investments. As Malaysia continues to reach new heights, it shows the world just how far it has come since its monumental independence in 1957. Where is Malaysia headed now? Only time will tell and with each new skyscraper, Malaysia is telling an inspiring story of ambition, resilience and hope for the future. THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Sun
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Pelubang LRA construction work progressing smoothly
ALOR SETAR: The construction work of the Pelubang Water Treatment Plant (LRA) in Kubang Pasu is progressing smoothly, achieving an overall construction progress of 62.46 per cent, exceeding the scheduled target of 62.32 per cent. Bina Darulaman Bhd (BDB) group executive director Raja Shahreen Raja Othman said the progress of construction is 43 days ahead of the original schedule, assuring them that the LRA can be completed by the end of the year. 'In terms of construction progress, BDB needs to meet and adhere to the set timeline, so we hope that other stakeholders can also play their roles to ensure the construction work is completed on schedule. 'There are several big challenges that need to be overcome and these include land issues and permits as this project involves land ownership, roads and other properties. However, BDB is committed and we have sufficient resources to complete the LRA project,' he said at a press conference after the 30th BDB annual general meeting today. Previously, the Kedah Public Works, Natural Resources, Water Supply, Water Resources and Environment Committee chairman Mohamad Yusuf@Munir Zakaria had said that the Pelubang LRA had been granted an Extension Of Time (EOT) until Dec 21 due to several technical issues encountered earlier. Meanwhile, Raja Shahreen said the LRA structure is almost complete and only awaiting mechanical and electrical (M&E) works to be done, and once finished, it will significantly enhance the progress of the overall construction. 'If the M&E is installed and set up, then it can improve the progress level, possibly reaching up to 80 per cent... When it becomes operational, it can improve water supply access for residents in the Kubang Pasu and Alor Setar areas and resolve the frequent water issues in Kedah. 'If anyone wants BDB to be the contractor for projects that require rescue operations, we are ready and can provide the necessary resources to complete the relevant LRA,' he also said. Meanwhile, regarding the world's first international Islamic-inspired retirement village project, Aman Seterra Sanctuary, which is expected to be built in Kuala Temoyong, Langkawi next year, Raja Shahreen said they are in the process of submitting the project planning approval to the Langkawi Tourism City Municipal Council. The project, a collaboration between BDB through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Aman Lagenda Sdn Bhd, and Seterra Holdings Sdn Bhd, will be developed over an area of 12.42 acres (5.03 hectares), providing services to retirees and the elderly from around the world by integrating the concepts of independent living, assisted living and long-term care. In the meantime, he said for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2024, BDB recorded a pre-tax profit of RM4.51 million, with revenue of RM294.7 million compared to RM14.47 million and RM313.1 million respectively in 2023, but the company remains optimistic about long-term growth prospects.
