Latest news with #TheStar
The Star
33 minutes ago
- Politics
- The Star
Dr Mahathir's old home, your next day out: Galeria Sri Perdana now open
With 1980s retro back in style, Dr Mahathir's office at Galeria Sri Perdana reflects that era - simple, functional, and lined with his personal book collection. Photo: The Star/Low Boon Tat History buffs and curious visitors alike now have a fresh reason to explore Bukit Persekutuan's (Federal Hill) leafy slopes in Kuala Lumpur: Galeria Sri Perdana, the former official residence of Malaysia's fourth prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, reopened to the public on July 10 - fittingly on his 100th birthday. Under the stewardship of the National Archives of Malaysia (Arkib Negara Malaysia) since 2000, Galeria Sri Perdana is more than an architectural relic on Jalan Terengganu - it invites visitors to step into spaces where family life and official history unfolded, from dining areas to desks where key decisions were made. National Archives Director General Datuk Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman said the RM12.76mil upgrade under the Eleventh Malaysia Plan will help preserve the building for future generations. Dr Mahathir didn't need to travel far for a trim - Galeria Sri Perdana had its own barber room for his personal grooming. Photo: The Star/Low Boon Tat 'The upgrading works covered everything from rewiring the air-conditioning and lighting systems to repairing structural elements and restoring the lush gardens that surround the gallery,' said Jaafar at the recent opening ceremony. He added that the revitalised museum space aims to help Malaysians connect with the nation's history, culture and leaders. After extensive conservation, the historic residence now serves as a public gallery/museum and educational tourism centre. Once called 'Sri Timah,' this bungalow began as a property of the Malaysia Mining Corporation before it was repurposed by the government as the residence of Dr Mahathir and his family (between August 1983 and October 1999, before he moved to Putrajaya). Today, visitors can explore three exhibition levels at Galeria Sri Perdana, where over 3,500 personal items belonging to Dr Mahathir are displayed - from everyday furniture and family dining sets to vehicles, documents, shoes and traditional Malay attire. Dr Mahathir's official Proton Perdana, bearing the 'Proton 2020' plate, now stands parked outside as a nod to his vision of modern Malaysia. Photo: The Star/Low Boon Tat The Main Guest area - a spacious hall - hosted ceremonies and gatherings ranging from courtesy visits by local and international guests to annual Hari Raya gift-giving for military and police personnel. Intimate press conferences, "doa selamat" and congregational prayers, wedding solemnisations, and even newborn hair-trimming ceremonies for grandchildren all took place here, making it a space rich in personal and national memories. In July 1993, the late Yasser Arafat, the emblematic leader of the Palestinian national movement, was also received by Dr Mahathir in this main meeting area. For visitors, exploring private spaces like the Bedroom and Family Dining Room alongside official areas offers a glimpse into two very different worlds. In a modest corner on the second floor, a "barbershop" still stands. This was where Dr Mahathir sat for haircuts by his trusted barber Mohan Muthupandithan, who came by request. More than a grooming spot, it reveals how small routines fit into the prime minister's busy schedule. Visitors today can see this humble space and reflect on the ordinary moments behind an extraordinary public life. One of the lounge areas at Galeria Sri Perdana where Dr Mahathir once welcomed guests. Photo: The Star/Low Boon Tat A display case featuring his personal collection of hats is also a conversation starter. Few also know that Dr Mahathir is an avid woodworker, a hobby he has cherished since childhood. A carpentry room in Sri Perdana offered him a space to unwind, crafting everything from model aircraft and government emblems to bookshelves and sculptures. Here, visitors glimpse the quiet pastime that balanced the demands of leadership. After pandemic closures and major conservation work, Galeria Sri Perdana's reopening comes as local tourism picks up, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Malaysia's modern history. Galeria Sri Perdana is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm, and closed on Mondays except during school holidays. Admission is free.
The Star
3 hours ago
- Health
- The Star
Medical tours may see a dip
Vulnerable position: Penang's medical tourism sector faces challenges due to new 6% service tax on foreign patients and weakening Indonesian rupiah. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star GEORGE TOWN: Penang's healthcare travel may face challenges with the 6% service tax on foreign patients and the weakening Indonesian rupiah. Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi said with over 90% of Penang's healthcare travellers coming from Indonesia, the impact could be significant. 'Given the depreciation of the Indonesian currency, many may begin to feel the pinch. 'Combined with the 6% service tax effective July 1, this can impact the number of foreign patients seeking private healthcare here.' On July 1, the Federal Government expanded the coverage of the sales and service tax. This 6% medical service tax applies only to foreigners seeking private healthcare here. In November last year, Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) reported that Malaysia saw 584,468 healthcare travellers arriving in the first six months of 2024. In the council's June 17 report this year: 'Malaysia Healthcare Travel Industry – 2024 Performance Highlights', it noted that Penang hit a record by generating over RM1bil in healthcare travel revenue, adding to the national healthcare travel revenue of RM2.72bil. The council also said that Indonesians remain the largest group of healthcare travellers to Malaysia. Despite the expected slowdown, Gooi said Malaysia, particularly Penang, remains a key player in cross-border private healthcare. 'Malaysia offers world-class healthcare at affordable prices. Penang continues to attract foreign patients, especially from Indonesia, due to its high standards and close proximity.' The exchange rate on Thursday was RM1 to 3,844.67 Indonesian rupiah compared RM1 to 3,448.28 rupiah during the same period last year. Gooi added that affordability remains a major draw. He saw potential for growth with more direct international flights, particularly from China. 'More work needs to be done to promote private healthcare in Penang. 'We will collaborate closely with our private healthcare professionals to find new ways to attract more international patients. 'While it is still early to assess the impact, since the tax was only recently imposed, we will monitor the situation closely,' he said Gooi also said that during a recent meeting with Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and state health excos, he proposed that the Federal Government consider remitting a portion of the 6% service tax to the states generating the revenue. 'I urged the ministry to consider channelling funds to states like Penang, which have worked hard to build up their healthcare travel sector. 'Almost half of the country's foreign healthcare travel revenue comes from Penang.' Gooi added that the funds could be used to improve Penang's public healthcare facilities and infrastructure, which contribute to the convenience of healthcare travellers from abroad. 'It will help keep us as a regional leader if the tax revenue is channelled back to us in some way,' he said.
The Star
4 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
KLIA set to go green for Visit Malaysia 2026
Work in progress: An officer from the KLIA Department of Landscape explaining the proposed development plan for the country's entrance point at KLIA, during a press conference in Sepang. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star SEPANG: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is set to get a refreshing green makeover, just in time to welcome the world for Visit Malaysia 2026. By early next year, travellers arriving at or departing from KLIA can look forward to a more scenic and vibrant airport experience, thanks to a RM3mil landscaping project announced by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming (pic). Themed 'Harmony in Diversity,' the initiative aims to transform the main entrances of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 into lush, welcoming gateways with the addition of various plants such as Teh Pagar, Mexican Petunia, Willow Leaf and Green Aralia. One standout feature is a striking new signboard installed at the final stretch of the exit road. Decorated with batik motifs and greenery, the message 'WELCOME TO MALAYSIA' will leave a lasting impression on visitors. To further enhance the airport atmosphere, vertical garden walls will be added at the drop-off zones, incorporating arrangements of various plants and traditional batik patterns on the sidewalks and pillars. 'This project will play a vital role in strengthening KLIA's image as our premier national entry gateway, showcasing both our unique cultural diversity and environmental commitment to visitors. 'It reflects the continuous efforts of the government in enhancing public spaces and creating a more sustainable, liveable, and conducive environment for the overall well-being of the community,' Nga said during a press conference at KLIA yesterday. He added that the design will be fully handled by the National Landscape Department in partnership with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB). The works are expected to take around six months, with maintenance overseen by the contractor until December 2026. After that, full responsibility will be handed over to MAHB. Nga said the greening effort aligns with the government's broader goals in promoting tourism as the country gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026.
The Star
4 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Second chance for stalled homes
PETALING JAYA: The Housing and Local Government Ministry has implemented several recovery mechanisms to address abandoned housing projects, including direct mediation with buyers and developers, project completion strategies and the utilisation of public funds for selected developments. The ministry said it facilitates negotiations between affected purchasers and developers or appointed liquidators on reimbursement terms. Where viable, stalled projects may be completed by either the original developer, a 'white knight' or the liquidator, with the aim of obtaining Certificates of Fitness for Occupation or Certificates of Completion and Compliance. It added that specific abandoned projects might be revived using government development allocations to ensure homebuyers receive habitable housing. The ministry stated that it also conducts regular site visits, monitors rehabilitation progress and collaborates closely with state governments, local authorities and technical agencies to expedite resolutions. According to the ministry, a total of 112 abandoned private housing projects have been recorded across Peninsular Malaysia as of May 31, 2025, with Selangor accounting for the highest number. Selangor recorded 42 abandoned projects – representing 37.5% of the total – followed by Kelantan with 18 and Terengganu with 14. The ministry said it remains committed to addressing the issue through a task force for sick and abandoned private housing projects, which has so far rehabilitated 21 projects involving 2,244 housing units. 'The government is fully committed to resolving sick and abandoned housing projects through a structured approach based on four pillars – tracking, resolution, prevention and forward planning,' the ministry said in response to a query from The Star. However, Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) secretary-general Dr Saravanan Thambirajah said many of these projects – some idle for over a decade – had deteriorated, leaving thousands of homebuyers in the lurch while at the same time, posing serious safety and health hazards. 'These long-abandoned sites are painful symbols of systemic failure. They are not only physical hazards but also a source of emotional and financial devastation for families who invested their life savings or took out long-term loans for homes they will never live in. 'Many affected buyers are still repaying housing loans for properties they can neither occupy nor sell, with little legal recourse to recover their investments. 'Some of the projects were approved by local councils and licensed by authorities, yet when things collapse, the buyers are left to bear the consequences alone. There's often no legal remedy. First-time buyers and young families are especially vulnerable,' he said when contacted. Fomca is calling for structural reforms, including the establishment of a dedicated federal task force to identify and manage chronically abandoned projects. Developments, which have been idle for more than a decade, should be legally declared derelict and channelled through a fast-track process involving safety inspections, title audits, and eventual repurposing. 'Where feasible, such buildings should be converted into public assets, like social housing, youth centres or care homes. This will require legal amendments to enable compulsory acquisition, as well as partnerships between local councils, NGOs and housing trusts.' He also proposed the creation of funding mechanisms, such as federal grants, housing rejuvenation bonds and social impact investments, to support repurposing efforts. He urged authorities to empower residents' associations and civil society groups to report early signs of abandonment, supported by mobile platforms that allow GPS-tagged complaints and photos. 'Most importantly, enforcement agencies must respond swiftly and transparently. If we do nothing, property values will fall, urban decay will spread, and an entire generation of disillusioned Malaysians will be left paying for homes that were never built,' he said.
The Star
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Make a ‘Connection' with George Town Festival
Stamp rally: Fun showing the six different stamps, each featuring unique designs, which visitors to selected events can collect for a chance to win a prize. — KT GOH/The Star GEORGE TOWN: The city will be transformed into a vibrant stage when the George Town Festival (GTF) returns for its 16th edition. So do plan your holiday to Penang for next month as from Aug 2 to 10, GTF 2025 – with the theme 'Connection' – will feature 50 programmes exploring the powerful relationships between the arts, the city and the human experience. These range from music to dance, theatre, photography, visual arts and more. About 80% of the programmes will be offered for free in line with the festival's aim of making the arts accessible to all. GTF director Jack Wong said 32 programmes were homegrown and reflected Malaysia's rich artistic diversity. Of this, 22 are Penang-based. The other 18 are international presentations and include bold new works. He said only seven events would be ticketed, priced between RM40 and RM100. 'GTF 2025 will also have a series of workshops and talks which offer deeper insights into the creative process and give visitors opportunities to engage with the artistes and their works. 'Whether you're a newcomer or long-time follower, you will have a week of unforgettable experiences.' Festivities kick-off with the 'After Dusk' opening weekend on Aug 2 and 3 at the Esplanade, which is expected to draw over 100,000 visitors. The iconic Town Hall will come alive with colours and patterns in a projection mapping showcase while live performances by various local and international acts will start from 5pm. Other highlights include a contemporary performance inspired by the state's natural landscapes called 'Waris', and a tribute exhibition to late cartoonist Azmi Hussin titled 'Living the Tanjong Life'. There will be a 'Symbiosis: Crab Chronicle' which offers a crab's view of Penang's shifting coastlines through augmented reality/virtual reality experiences, as well as 'Between Departures' which turns an actual city bus into an intimate musical stage journeying through George Town. Further cultural exchange is promoted through the 'A Night in Spain' classical music concert in partnership with the Spanish Embassy in Malaysia, as well as the 'Totsu-totsu dance – Like Art, Like Care' dance workshop and performance with Japan's Cultural Affairs Agency. Visitors to six selected events can collect six stamps under the 'Stamp Rally' by local artist Elsie Fun and stand a chance of winning a prize. State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said GTF had grown into one of the region's most vibrant platforms for artistic expression since its inception in 2010. 'What began as a local initiative has expanded into a leading space for creativity and ideas in South-East Asia. 'This year's theme reflects our hope to further build bridges between peoples, ideas and stories through diverse artistic experiences.' For tickets/details, visit or follow @georgetownfestival on social media.
