Latest news with #SafeCityProgramme
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Empowering women key to driving ASEAN's sheconomy
KUALA LUMPUR: A whole-of-society approach is needed to empower women across all sectors, including governance, urban planning and the digital economy to unlock the full potential of the 'sheconomy' and drive inclusive, sustainable development in ASEAN, said Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif. She said women must not only be included in decision-making spaces but also be recognised as key architects of change especially in city-level transformation where daily life is most affected. 'The 'sheconomy' is not a parallel economy. It is a reimagining of our whole economy, powered by inclusion and inclusion is not charity; it is good policy,' she said. She said during the plenary session titled 'ASEAN Women Leading Social Change: Integrating Social Goals with Economic Growth in the 'Sheconomy', at the Women Economic Forum (WEF) ASEAN 2025 here today. Maimunah who is also a former executive director of UN-Habitat, stressed the importance of embedding gender equity into the fabric of urban governance, budgeting and service delivery. She noted that this aligns with the ASEAN Gender Mainstreaming Strategic Framework 2021-2025 and Kuala Lumpur is localising the framework to the governance tool by ensuring housing, transport and public health policies serve women. Maimunah also shared initiatives by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) through the Safe City Programme which includes the installation of 10,000 CCTVs and improved street lighting. 'These efforts are not just about safety, but about dignity and inclusion. We are creating safer zones, better transit and walkable neighbourhoods centred on women's mobility. In 2024, crime dropped by 15 per cent in the upgraded areas and women reported feeling safer,' she said. Despite progress, she pointed only 10 per cent of local councils in Malaysia are led by women, calling the need to localise gender mainstreaming efforts at all levels of government. Maimunah added that the private sector plays a crucial role in unlocking the potential of the 'sheconomy' by elevating women into leadership positions, fostering inclusive innovation, and building supportive workplace cultures. 'Gender-smart investing, mentorship programmes and targeted support for women-led start-ups, particularly in the green and digital sectors, are how we activate 'sheconomy'. 'Academia plays its part too by producing gender-inhibited data, training women in STEM and governance, and documenting what works. Communities must be empowered. Women entrepreneurs, mothers, and youth must be recognised, not just as participants, but as planners and leaders,' she said. Maimunah, the first female mayor of Kuala Lumpur said since joining DBKL in August last year, significant strides had been made in closing the leadership gap. Currently, women make up 29.3 per cent of total DBKL staff, 43.6 per cent of professionals, 44 per cent of department heads and 40 per cent of top management, surpassing the 30 per cent benchmark. Earlier at the WEF ASEAN 2025, Maimunah was conferred the 'Women of the Decade' award alongside Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad. Themed Women Leaders Beyond Borders: Shaping the Future of the ASEAN Sheconomy, the three-day forum starting today, celebrates women's transformative role in driving global economic growth. The WEF ASEAN 2025 which brings together influential women leaders from across the region and beyond, offers participants the opportunity to engage in impactful discussions, forge powerful networks, and explore new pathways for women to shape the future of the global economy.
New Straits Times
18-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
DBKL tackles RM70mil arrears, crime and maintenance issues in PPR housing
KUALA LUMPUR: Rental arrears, criminal activity and maintenance issues are among the key concerns affecting residents of the People's Housing Project (PPR) and public housing under the purview of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). City Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif said the issues were raised during dialogue sessions with residents held earlier today. "Outstanding rental payments involving public housing and PPR have reached RM70 million… DBKL is currently implementing solutions, including the installation of water lock systems, the issuance of notices, and financial advocacy programmes for tenants in arrears, to ensure payments are made. "This is in addition to problems such as drug abuse, waste dumping, lack of parking, and damaged infrastructure," she said after the Safe City Programme at the People's Housing Project in Seri Desa Rejang today. Maimunah said DBKL is also prioritising maintenance issues, especially in buildings managed by management bodies to ensure the quality of life for residents is not compromised. She said DBKL is also exploring the possibility of allowing tenants to purchase their units, especially those who are financially eligible but unable to obtain bank financing. "As for tenants wanting to buy their homes, a freeze was imposed on such purchases in 2015. However, I am reviewing this policy. If they are genuinely capable, we may relook at allowing them to purchase their units. "This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, as some tenants are unable to obtain bank financing," she added. Maimunah said the town hall session with public housing residents is part of the Local Action 21 initiative, which involves collaboration between DBKL, police and the local community in addressing safety and well-being issues in the area. "The presence of DBKL and police in these PPR areas reflects our commitment to work together in enhancing community safety. "This is not a one-off programme as it will continue from one area to another," she said.
New Straits Times
18-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Police interview Pamela Ling's children, family friend
KUALA LUMPUR: Police said there are details that could shed light on Datin Seri Pamela Ling's disappearance, based on statements recorded from her children. City police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said police recorded the statements of Ling's three children, aged between 18 and 20, at the Woodlands Police Headquarters yesterday. "I've reviewed the transcripts of their statements, and there are details that could assist the investigation, particularly concerning (Ling's) last known movements," he said. A close family friend was also interviewed during the session. "She was still in touch with her family on April 8 and 9, just before she went missing," Rusdi added when speaking to reporters after the Safe City Programme event at the People's Housing Project in Seri Desa Rejang earlier today. Present was Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif. Rusdi said that as of today, police have yet to determine Ling's whereabouts. When asked whether she may have fled or been taken out of the country, he said there was no indication she had exited via official routes. "So far, we have been unable to trace the victim. According to immigration records, she has not left the country. However, we cannot rule out the possibility that she may have travelled through unofficial means," he said. "It is highly likely that she is still in the country, but there is also a possibility that she may have already crossed the border," he added. Commenting on Ling's husband, Rusdi said investigators have not ruled out the possibility of calling him in again for further questioning. "It is possible for him to be called in again. In any case, a witness can be summoned, even if the individual is not a suspect; they can be called at any time to provide further statements on new developments," he said. Rusdi said the case is being investigated under Section 365 of the Penal Code for abduction or kidnapping, which carries a maximum prison sentence of seven years and a fine. Previously, it was reported that Ling's lawyer had asked police to step up efforts to locate her. Ling went missing at around 3.02pm on April 9, shortly before her scheduled meeting at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission headquarters in Putrajaya. On May 15, Ling's husband was arrested, but a remand application made in Putrajaya was rejected.
Borneo Post
26-04-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
MBKS, Bomba empower Kuching villages with fire safety training under Safe City initiative
Wee (third left) and Tiong (second left) jointly hand over a fire extinguisher unit to a programme participant. KUCHING (April 27): Kuching South City Council (MBKS), in collaboration with the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (Bomba) Sarawak Zon 1, have conducted a fire safety awareness programme, aimed at empowering local village communities with essential fire prevention and emergency response skills. The two-day programme, held in the Tabuan Jaya area, saw the participation of 50 residents from five villages namely Kampung Tabuan Paya, Kampung Tabuan Jaya Tengah, Kampung Tabuan Dayak (Bukit), Kampung Sungai Nada, and Kampung Tabuan Laru. Participants underwent both theoretical and hands-on training, including fire suppression simulations and the proper use of firefighting equipment. Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, in his speech at the event, emphasised that fire safety is a shared responsibility and called for similar initiatives to be extended to more villages and residential areas. 'This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to building a more resilient and prepared community. 'It is not just about lectures – it is about empowering the communities with essential knowledge and practical training to respond effectively when fire incidents occur. 'MBKS believes that safety begins at home, and therefore, we will continue to work with partners such as Bomba to expand such programmes to other areas within the council's jurisdiction,' said Wee. As part of its Safe City Programme initiative, MBKS contributed 10 units of fire extinguishers to the five villages under its jurisdiction to further enhance local preparedness. Meanwhile, Bomba Sarawak Deputy Director Tiong Ling Hii said the initiative was designed as a platform to raise awareness and impart life-saving knowledge. It also introduced the concept of 'community firefighters' where individuals were trained to act as first responders before emergency services arrive. 'This programme differs from traditional fire awareness or prevention campaigns. 'Through this initiative, participants are provided both theoretical and practical exposure to fire prevention and response techniques,' he explained. bomba Kuching lead MBKS Safe City villages
