Latest news with #MinistryofHousingandLocalGovernment
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Putra Heights fire: SPNB to rebuild, repair 17 houses from next week
KEPALA BATAS: Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB) will rebuild and repair 17 houses affected by the April 1 gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights, Selangor, starting next week. SPNB chief executive officer Mohd Jamil Idris said this is an initial project involving 11 homes that were completely destroyed and six houses for renovation under the government allocation previously approved, namely a maximum of RM300,000 for rebuilding and RM150,000 for repairs. 'We have entered the area, and our contractors issued appointment letters to the affected residents this week. So, starting next week, they (the contractors) will start work at the site (of the affected houses). If we look at the data we have, so far, there are 17 houses... and this data may change,' he said. He told reporters this when met at the Urban Community Sustainability Programme (PKKB) and SPNB Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme in Taman Desa Kuala Muda here today, which was officiated by SPNB chairman Datuk Mohd Azmi Mohd Lila. The gas pipeline fire on April 1 caused flames to rise more than 30 metres high, with temperatures reaching over 1,000 degrees Celsius, causing 81 homes to be completely destroyed, with structural damage exceeding 40 per cent, 81 homes partially damaged, 57 homes affected but not burned, and 218 homes left unaffected. Meanwhile, Mohd Azmi said SPNB will build a total of 5,450 houses under the Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) project nationwide this year, with an allocation of RM504 million, to help B40 and low-income groups own homes. He said they have also implemented about half of the target as of May and aim to complete it all by the end of this year. 'We build these houses quite fast, in three months, mostly using conventional methods as well as IBS (Industrialised Building System), but there may be issues in terms of slight delays (for certain applications) because (there are) necessary processes,' he said. Mohd Azmi said the eligibility criteria for owning an RMR home include a household income not exceeding RM5,000, not currently owning a house and having their own land. 'The construction cost for each house is RM75,000, namely RM20,000 in the form of a government subsidy and the remaining RM55,000 as an interest-free loan. The monthly repayment is RM300 for about 16 years,' he said, adding that a total of 73,279 RMR units have been built nationwide since 2002. As for today's programme, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) contributed RM38,950 while SPNB chipped in with RM10,000. In addition, SPNB and Progressive Impact Technology Sdn Bhd also contributed a 4kWp solar panel system worth RM18,540 to educate the community about electricity savings, environmental friendliness, renewable energy, green technology adoption and promoting a healthier environment.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
SPNB to rebuild, repair 17 houses from next week
KEPALA BATAS: Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB) will rebuild and repair 17 houses affected by the April 1 gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights, Selangor, starting next week. SPNB chief executive officer Mohd Jamil Idris said this is an initial project involving 11 homes that were completely destroyed and six houses for renovation under the government allocation previously approved, namely a maximum of RM300,000 for rebuilding and RM150,000 for repairs. 'We have entered the area, and our contractors issued appointment letters to the affected residents this week. So, starting next week, they (the contractors) will start work at the site (of the affected houses). If we look at the data we have, so far, there are 17 houses... and this data may change,' he said. He told reporters this when met at the Urban Community Sustainability Programme (PKKB) and SPNB Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme in Taman Desa Kuala Muda here today, which was officiated by SPNB chairman Datuk Mohd Azmi Mohd Lila. The gas pipeline fire on April 1 caused flames to rise more than 30 metres high, with temperatures reaching over 1,000 degrees Celsius, causing 81 homes to be completely destroyed, with structural damage exceeding 40 per cent, 81 homes partially damaged, 57 homes affected but not burned, and 218 homes left unaffected. Meanwhile, Mohd Azmi said SPNB will build a total of 5,450 houses under the Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) project nationwide this year, with an allocation of RM504 million, to help B40 and low-income groups own homes. He said they have also implemented about half of the target as of May and aim to complete it all by the end of this year. 'We build these houses quite fast, in three months, mostly using conventional methods as well as IBS (Industrialised Building System), but there may be issues in terms of slight delays (for certain applications) because (there are) necessary processes,' he said. Mohd Azmi said the eligibility criteria for owning an RMR home include a household income not exceeding RM5,000, not currently owning a house and having their own land. 'The construction cost for each house is RM75,000, namely RM20,000 in the form of a government subsidy and the remaining RM55,000 as an interest-free loan. The monthly repayment is RM300 for about 16 years,' he said, adding that a total of 73,279 RMR units have been built nationwide since 2002. As for today's programme, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) contributed RM38,950 while SPNB chipped in with RM10,000. In addition, SPNB and Progressive Impact Technology Sdn Bhd also contributed a 4kWp solar panel system worth RM18,540 to educate the community about electricity savings, environmental friendliness, renewable energy, green technology adoption and promoting a healthier environment.
New Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Right to Charge Part 2: Adapting Global Policies to Malaysia's Unique Context
LAST week we examined Malaysia's electric vehicle (EV) landscape, the challenges posed by its multi-unit housing structure, and the global 'Right to Charge' models that could inform Malaysia's approach. This week let's explore how these global policies can be adapted to Malaysia's unique context, considering its legal framework, property governance structures, climate conditions, and socioeconomic factors. Creating an effective 'Right to Charge' framework for Malaysia requires more than simply copying policies from other countries. It demands a thoughtful adaptation that respects Malaysia's existing legal structures while providing clear pathways for residents to install EV charging infrastructure at their homes. According to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, as of 2023, Malaysia had over 23,000 stratified schemes with about 7.4 million residents. Any 'Right to Charge' legislation must work within or strategically amend this framework. Let's start with the basics, Malaysia's stratified properties are governed by the Strata Management Act 2013, which creates a distinct legal environment for implementing 'Right to Charge' policies. The dual ownership structure in stratified properties means individual units are privately owned while common areas are collectively owned and this requires careful consideration especially for older and more common type of arrangements. In newer developments where parking bays have individual strata titles, a streamlined approval process with minimal restrictions could be implemented but most developments parking spaces are owned collectively and here is where attention is needed. To make this work there has to be a standardised application process that includes a defined timeline for management corporation response (let's say 30-60 days) and it has to clearly define criteria for what constitutes reasonable grounds for denial and, perhaps more drastically, default approval is issued if there is no response within the specified timeline. To help it along, the Strata Management (Maintenance and Management) Regulations 2015 could be amended to include specific provisions for EV charging installations, creating a standardised process nationwide. This would address the current situation where, according to a 2023 survey by the Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association Malaysia (Rehda), 72 per cent of management corporations have no formal process for handling EV charging requests. This correlates close to the Commissioner of Buildings which says, only 14 per cent of management corporations currently have by-laws addressing EV charging. Let's not get in the weeds but enough to suggest that amendments that explicitly recognise EV charging installations as permitted modifications to common property, subject to reasonable conditions. This would prevent blanket rejections while still allowing management corporations to establish reasonable guidelines. Perhaps specific provisions and bylaws that lays out standardises application and approval processes for all stratified properties can be drawn up for adoption by management corporations. These are rigorous technical requirements that may be well out of the reach of the typical management committee. It's also important to look at climate specific challenges for EV charging infrastructure so that all parties feel that this often little understood position has been properly considered. Factors like weather proofing standards should be developed for Malaysia, together with unique heat dissipation requirements and all that moisture in our air may require specific anti-corrosion specifications and in some areas there is a need for addressing flash flood protection. It's important not to brush aside any concerns raised because management boards are always worried about their liabilities should anything go wrong, sometimes something as simple as not having a shade over a charger may lead to overheating. Then there is the issue of maintenance. Schedule and type of work that should be carried out must be well understood, standardised and perhaps even codified to make clear areas of responsibilities of all parties involved and who should be responsible for liabilities should anything go wrong. Nobody wants to talk about things going wrong. Then there is the matter of who should bear the cost because some of it are clearly individually born but others are forced on the common area. For example the cost of hacking and installation of cables to the individual chargers and all related requirements are born by the party requesting the installation, however the change in the aesthetics and comfort level in the common area is a cost born by all. It sounds petty but it will be raised and if it has not been properly considered, there will be no good answer to the question. When it comes to the financial aspect, the government may want to step in with an extension of the Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS) to specifically cover residential EV charging infrastructure. Perhaps a tax incentive similar to the current RM2,500 personal tax relief for EV charging could be created for management corporations and property owners and maybe Tenaga Nasional Bhd can develop special tariffs and infrastructure support programs specifically for residential EV charging, similar to their existing special industrial tariffs. Further amendments of legislations including the Electricity Supply Act and building by laws will be required to create a comprehensive legal framework that addresses the current regulatory gaps and there are a lot of gaps. According to legal experts at the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), 87 per cent of current EV charging installations in multi-unit dwellings operate in a regulatory "gray area" due to the lack of specific legislation. Once we have worked out the specifics of the rules and regulations we must not forget about enforcement and dispute resolution that covers specifically EV charging issues. For example Strata Management Tribunal may need better defined jurisdiction over EV charging request disputes with clear compliance guidelines that explains what constitutes reasonable denial. These could include safety concerns that cannot be mitigated through standard engineering solutions, documented electrical capacity limitations that cannot be reasonably addressed and perhaps installation of the charger requires significant structural modifications that would compromise building integrity. The guidelines would address the current situation where, according anecdotal evidence a large portion of denied installation requests cite vague "safety concerns" without specific details. Adapting global 'Right to Charge' policies to Malaysia's context requires careful consideration of the country's unique legal framework, property governance structures, climate conditions, and socioeconomic factors. In the third and final article of this series, we will explore the implementation details, stakeholder roles, and a practical roadmap for putting this framework into action.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
KPKT voluntarily submits MyKiosk documents to MACC, demonstrates commitment to transparency
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) today voluntarily submitted documents related to the MyKiosk Project to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), demonstrating its commitment to transparency and integrity in the project. In a statement, KPKT said the documents were handed over by the director-general of the Local Government Department, Datuk Mohd Fadzli Mohd Kenali, at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya, following allegations of irregularities in the project. Mohd Fadzli, accompanied by a team from the ministry, came forward to provide full cooperation, despite no formal request having been made by the MACC. 'This reflects KPKT's strong commitment to strengthening governance systems and upholding good administrative practices. 'The ministry is also determined to ensure that no element of abuse of power or misappropriation is involved in the implementation of the MyKiosk programme, which is aimed at benefiting small traders,' the statement read. 'By submitting these documents to the MACC, we aim to assure the public that every aspect of the programme's implementation is transparent and follows proper procedures,' the ministry said. KPKT also clarified that all procurement and contractor appointments under the MyKiosk project were conducted by 133 local authorities through open quotation processes. As a result, 795 contractors have been appointed by local authorities nationwide. 'The ceiling cost for MyKiosk 2.0 is RM25,000. The unit price for each kiosk is reasonable and allows contractors to compete fairly through a transparent and open quotation process at their respective local authority. 'All allocations related to MyKiosk were listed under Budget Initiatives and submitted to the Ministry of Finance in line with established procedures,' KPKT said.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
KPKT voluntarily submits MyKiosk documents to MACC
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) today voluntarily submitted documents related to the MyKiosk Project to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), demonstrating its commitment to transparency and integrity in the project. In a statement, KPKT said the documents were handed over by the director-general of the Local Government Department, Datuk Mohd Fadzli Mohd Kenali, at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya, following allegations of irregularities in the project. Mohd Fadzli, accompanied by a team from the ministry, came forward to provide full cooperation, despite no formal request having been made by the MACC. 'This reflects KPKT's strong commitment to strengthening governance systems and upholding good administrative practices. 'The ministry is also determined to ensure that no element of abuse of power or misappropriation is involved in the implementation of the MyKiosk programme, which is aimed at benefiting small traders,' the statement read. 'By submitting these documents to the MACC, we aim to assure the public that every aspect of the programme's implementation is transparent and follows proper procedures,' the ministry said. KPKT also clarified that all procurement and contractor appointments under the MyKiosk project were conducted by 133 local authorities through open quotation processes. As a result, 795 contractors have been appointed by local authorities nationwide. 'The ceiling cost for MyKiosk 2.0 is RM25,000. The unit price for each kiosk is reasonable and allows contractors to compete fairly through a transparent and open quotation process at their respective local authority. 'All allocations related to MyKiosk were listed under Budget Initiatives and submitted to the Ministry of Finance in line with established procedures,' KPKT said.
