Latest news with #KotaMADANI
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Federal territories collaborate with Singapore, Indonesia for ASEAN Vision 2045
KUALA LUMPUR: Close cooperation between Malaysia's Federal Territories, Singapore, and Indonesia is set to drive progress towards ASEAN Vision 2045. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa highlighted the discussions during courtesy visits from Singapore's Senior Minister Low Yen Ling and Indonesia's Deputy Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto. The talks with Low focused on ASEAN city best practices, including the CHASE City concept implemented in Malaysia's Federal Territories. Dr Zaliha shared how public feedback shaped initiatives like Kota MADANI, integrating community aspirations into urban development. Both leaders also exchanged insights on women-led urban governance, clean energy transitions, and addressing ageing population challenges. In discussions with Bima Arya, Dr Zaliha explored bold regional ideas, including seamless cross-border travel and smarter waste management systems. She invited Jakarta to adopt the CHASE City model under Malaysia MADANI, promoting sustainable urbanisation. The dialogue also covered digital economy opportunities, such as cashless societies and youth empowerment through flexible work infrastructure. Dr Zaliha extended an invitation for Indonesia to participate in Visit Malaysia Year 2026 to strengthen bilateral ties. The meetings were part of the 2025 ASEAN Governors and Mayors Forum at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The forum, themed 'ASEAN Future Cities and Regions: Inclusivity and Sustainability', runs alongside the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Forum. - Bernama
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia champions CHASE City for sustainable ASEAN urban growth
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has proposed the CHASE City framework as a sustainable urban development model for ASEAN nations. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa emphasised its focus on Clean, Healthy, Advanced, Safe, and Eco-friendly cities. She described the framework as adaptable to diverse ASEAN urban realities while promoting integrated planning. 'This is not a collection of separate agendas, but an integrated philosophy that guides urban policy, design and governance, in a holistic way,' she said. Dr Zaliha spoke at the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Forum held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. She highlighted the framework's alignment with ASEAN's urban priorities, fostering collaboration among governments, businesses, and communities. The Kota MADANI project in Putrajaya was cited as a successful application of CHASE principles. It integrates low-carbon solutions, AI-driven technologies, and green mobility for sustainable urban living. Malaysia's membership in the Davos Baukultur Alliance was also underscored as a milestone. The country is the first non-European member of this global coalition promoting cultural urban development. 'Cities are more than functional spaces. They are cultural and social ecosystems,' Dr Zaliha noted. She pointed to heritage conservation efforts like Warisan KL, which revitalises landmarks such as Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad. These initiatives blend adaptive reuse with sustainable design to boost civic pride and tourism. The forum serves as a platform for ASEAN leaders to exchange sustainable urbanisation strategies. - Bernama
Daily Express
26-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Apples, oranges to be exempted from SST
Published on: Thursday, June 26, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 26, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: For illustrative purposes only. PUTRAJAYA: The government will grant a Sales and Service Tax (SST) exemption for certain imported fruits, including apples and oranges, following public feedback regarding prices of local and imported fruits, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. According to him, although the government wants to encourage the public to prioritise local fruits such as guava, rambutan, and durian, the tax exemption on these two main imported fruits is being implemented to ensure that low-income groups can still afford healthy food options. 'Yesterday, during the Cabinet meeting, we heard the concerns of the people — some still want to eat apples and oranges because they're more affordable. 'So, although there is still a small tax on other imported fruits, we are granting an exemption for apples and oranges,' he said at the launch of the Kota MADANI project here today. Anwar added that priority remains on local fruits, which are rich in nutrients and more easily available during their seasons. 'Avocados are now also being cultivated in Sabah. We have many local fruits — langsat, duku, rambutan, and durian. But I have noticed that the B40 (low-income) group still consumes imported apples and oranges, so we are reconsidering,' he said. Anwar also said that the government has agreed to raise the income threshold for small enterprises and micro traders from RM500,000 to RM1 million. "We are raising it because half a million is too low. This move is aimed at encouraging public support for the government's reform efforts," he said. Anwar added that further details will be announced later. Previously, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the government would reconsider the SST expansion on certain imported commodities, including fruits like apples and oranges. He said since these fruits are fully imported, the proposal to impose an SST of between five and 10 per cent has to be reviewed. On June 9, the government said a targeted revision of the Sales Tax rate and expansion of the Service Tax scope will be effective July 1, 2025. The Kota MADANI development project, launched today, is expected to become a model for urban development based on inclusive, sustainable, and people-friendly values, with the federal government working closely with state governments and local authorities to ensure that civil servants and local residents' needs are prioritised. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa and the government's chief secretary Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar were also present at the event. * 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
Barnama
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
PM Anwar Calls For Consistent Grassroot Engagement, Not Pre-election Showmanship
PUTRAJAYA, June 26 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today reminded all elected representatives to consistently engage with the public, rather than only making appearances ahead of elections. Speaking at the launch of the Kota MADANI smart city project in Precinct 19 here today, Anwar said the practice of meeting people on the ground should be a continuous year-round effort, not a pre-election showmanship. 'I don't want them to just show up two months before the election, and start kissing babies, walking into local warungs and stalls, making house visits. I want to put an end to that culture,' he said. Also present were Federal Territories Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. Anwar said the Malaysia MADANI approach is not a political gimmick, but a genuine focus on addressing the needs and livelihoods of the majority, especially low- and middle-income groups. 'That's why, every Friday, I make it a point to eat at a local warung or stall for 15 to 20 minutes before Friday prayers. 'It's the only way to see for the (level of) cleanliness, accessibility, and conditions that directly affect 80 per cent of the country's population,' he explained. The Prime Minister also reiterated that Kuala Lumpur no longer needs more iconic skyscrapers, given the presence of landmarks such as the Merdeka 118 Tower and the Petronas Twin Towers. 'Enough is enough. If you ask me, what we need now are clean and decent eateries,' he said.
The Sun
26-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Kota MADANI smart city model for Malaysia urban development
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has suggested that the Kota MADANI smart city initiative serve as a blueprint for urban development nationwide. He highlighted the need for a balanced approach that prioritises public welfare over commercial interests. Speaking at the launch of the Kota MADANI project in Putrajaya's Precinct 19, Anwar urged state governments and local authorities to take charge of urban planning instead of relying solely on developers. 'Do not simply submit to the developers. We are the ones who do the planning; the developers are just part of the process to provide input for improvement,' he said. The Prime Minister stressed that urban development must integrate cultural values, humanity, and quality of life. He warned against profit-driven proposals that neglect long-term community benefits. 'Do not let projects be decided solely by developers, because if so, they will naturally provide views and recommendations that are profit-driven,' he added. The Kota MADANI project aims to showcase sustainable, people-first urban planning, setting a benchmark for future developments in Malaysia.
