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The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Decaying KL landmark a safety hazard
A sale by tender sign on the facade of the abandoned Lucky Plaza. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star ONCE a bustling community landmark in Jalan Kelang Lama, Kuala Lumpur, the former Lucky Plaza Bandar Park is now a haunting shell of its former self. It is slowly decaying in plain sight – its basement carpark is now stagnant with murky water, resembling a neglected swimming pool. More than a decade after the business tenants were told to vacate on Aug 31, 2013, the building has slipped further into ruin despite sitting on 1.37ha prime commercial land, just minutes from the heart of the capital city. Signs of squatting are evident as outside the building, broken furniture and makeshift bedding litter the area. Corridors are strewn with dry leaves, food containers and old packaging. A few plastic road barriers have been repurposed into an overflowing rubbish bin. Discarded furniture and scattered rubbish at a ramp leading to the flooded basement carpark. Parts of the ceiling have caved in, exposing rusted steel beams. The basement carpark flooded with stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, while trees and shrubs are growing through cracks in the walls and roof. 'In 2013, the building's then Singapore-based owners issued notices to all tenants to vacate. 'At the time, there were talks about a hospital or condominium project (to be at the plaza site), but nothing materialised,' said Raj Kumar, a nearby resident. Taman Desa Residents Association chairman Wong Chan Choy said, 'This used to be our go-to place for groceries and weekend makan. 'Now it looks like something out of a horror movie. We avoid walking past it at night.' 'Despite its strategic location, surrounded by busy roads, housing estates, and businesses, the site has become a dead zone,' he added. 'What is stopping the owners or even the authorities from doing a basic clean-up?' fruit trader Shamsul Ahmad asked. 'The basement carpark is flooded and infested with mosquitoes. 'Buildings should never be allowed to deteriorate like this,' he said. During a site visit, StarMetro found the place in a deplorable state with rubbish everywhere. A sale by tender notice has been pasted on the front of the building, indicating the property is up for sale. When contacted, a representative from the appointed real estate firm confirmed the building has been sold. 'We just sold it, and due to a non-disclosure agreement, we are unable to share details about the new owners or any future plans.' A Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Environment and Health Department officer said maintaining the building and its surroundings was the responsibility of the management. 'We will check on the place,' the officer, however, added. Seputeh Residents Representative Council Zone 6 chairman Alvin T. Ariaratnam said the Federal Territories Land and Mines Office (PPTGWP) could act against derelict properties using provisions under the National Land Code 1965 (NLC). He said Sections 127 and 128 of the NLC allowed the state to forfeit alienated land, while Section 116 (c) required owners to build and maintain habitable structures within two years. 'It is alarming that no one is taking responsibility for the growing number of abandoned buildings, which pose serious public health risks from infestations, missing fixtures, and structural damage. 'It is time the authorities step in. 'These buildings are more than just eyesores, they are a threat,' Alvin emphasised.
The Star
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Barrier-free toll gantries to be introduced in next few years
Reducing hassles: A highway concessionaire has already carried out a pilot test of the MLFF system. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Barrier-free toll gantries will be introduced via business-to-business deals among highway concessionaires without financial implications for the government, said Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan. The Deputy Works Minister said a total of 33 toll highway operators will hold discussions with their preferred multi-lane fast flow (MLFF) provider companies over the next two years. 'The government has decided that the implementation of MLFF will be business to business,' he told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. He was replying to Setiu MP Shaharizukirnain Abd Kadir who asked about the implementation status of the MLFF and its financial implications. The PAS leader also highlighted the Public Accounts Committee's (PAC) recommendations, saying the implementation of the MLFF would cost RM3.46bil. Affirming that there will be no costs for the government to bear, Ahmad said a Cabinet paper was presented in July on the MLFF implementation. 'The ministry remains committed to implementing toll collection via MLFF to prioritise comfort and convenience for road users. 'The direction now opens opportunities for service provider companies to directly negotiate with the 33 existing toll highway concession companies on a business-to-business basis to facilitate the implementation of the MLFF,' he said. Ahmad also disclosed that a highway concessionaire had conducted a pilot test of the MLFF with the collaboration of private companies. To a question by Tanjong Manis MP Yusuf Abd Wahab on action to be taken against toll evaders after the MLFF is introduced, Ahmad said the system would be equipped with an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system. The ANPR will allow the authorities to trace motorists who evaded paying toll, he added. 'Notices will also be issued to toll evaders and they might not be allowed to renew their road tax,' he said. On the issue of RFID lanes, Ahmad said the ministry, through the Malaysian Highway Authority, continuously monitored the system by ensuring that highway operators conducted fine-tuning. The deputy minister said that the government introduced an open payment toll collection system to provide more convenience to highway users. Meanwhile, he said potholes reported to the ministry via the MyJalan mobile app must be repaired by local authorities within 24 hours. 'The turnaround time to patch damaged roads under the Works Ministry is 24 hours and other authorities are also required to fix the road within the same timeframe. 'Complaints on other damages will be resolved within 15 days,' he said in reply to Batang Lupar MP Mohamad Shafizan Kepli. Ahmad said that from August 2023 to June 2025, 39,371 complaints were received through the app. Of these, 11,959 complaints were related to federal roads, with the remaining under state governments, local authorities and other agencies.
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
‘Salak Selatan hall to be handed over to DBKL, not demolished'
Kampung Baru Salak Selatan Community Hall has been sealed pending transfer of ownership to DBKL. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star Federal Territories Land and Mines Office (PTGWP) has denied claims that the Kampung Baru Salak Selatan Community Hall will be demolished. The hall is managed by Kampung Baru Salak Selatan Welfare Association, an umbrella body of seven non-governmental organisations (NGOs). A PTGWP spokesperson said the red notice, which instructed occupants to vacate and demolish the structure, was an administrative requirement under the law. 'We are in the process of gazetting the land to legalise the hall. 'Once the gazettement is approved by the PTGWP director, it will be forwarded to the Attorney General's Chambers to be formalised,' the spokesperson said. StarMetro had earlier reported that a red notice was issued on July 15 under Section 425(1) of National Land Code 1965. The spokesperson said once the gazettement process was completed, the land would be transferred to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for management. 'Until then, neither the association nor DBKL has jurisdiction over the site.' A PTGWP spokesperson says the red notice is an administrative requirement under the law. The clarification follows backlash from the association which claimed that no engagement had been carried out before the red notice was issued. An association member, KL Lee, said the hall had been sealed while all their documents were still inside. When contacted, association chairman Chin Yen Foo said they met with DBKL on Aug 4 to discuss the hall's future. He was told that once the hall was legalised, it would be jointly managed by the association, the Federal Territories Residents Representative Council (MPPWP) and another NGO. 'All three will be allowed to maintain offices within the hall and have been asked to work together in the community's interest,' said Chin. He appealed to DBKL to also consider legalising the surrounding structures, including the library, kindergarten, basketball court and food court. 'These facilities have been operating for many years,' said Chin. A DBKL Community Development and Urban Well-being Department officer, who declined to be named, clarified that ample notice was given to the association but they had refused to comply. The hall was rebuilt in 1983 after a fire destroyed the original wooden structure. It was funded through a community fundraising drive, with DBKL matching every ringgit raised.
The Star
27-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
‘Keep tank fish out of S'gor rivers'
Izham (second from left) looking at the new signboard illustrating the differences between invasive and native fish species near Sungai Klang beside Masjid Al-Ridhuan in Hulu Kelang. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star Selangor government is urging the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to implement stricter measures to control the sale and release of invasive ornamental fish, particularly the Hypostomus plecostomus (pleco) species, also known as ikan bandaraya, which threaten river ecosystems. Selangor infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim said the state was working towards preventing the release of alien fish species into rivers.
The Star
25-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Explore the depths of ESG
The upcoming Asia ESG Summit 2025 will feature regional-level conversations and industry insights. Pictured: Matrade's export promotion and market access division senior director Jai Shankar offering one such perspective at last year's local edition, held at KLCC. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star The Asia ESG Summit 2025 is poised to spark conversation and change ASEAN's rapid growth presents an opportunity to lead on ESG issues that matter. Covering a broad spectrum of topics—from climate change and the circular economy to renewable energy financing and innovative cleantech—the Asia ESG Summit 2025 offers a platform to explore the ESG priorities shaping Asia's sustainable future. Taking place from Nov 5 to 7 in Kuala Lumpur, the three-day summit will enable attendees to dive deep into practical strategies, share regional best practices and engage in meaningful dialogue about integrating ESG principles into business and investment decisions and enhancing existing strategies. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and network with policymakers, business leaders, investors and sustainability professionals from across the region and beyond. The event is structured around three thematic streams, each designed to address critical ESG areas: responsible investment and circular economy (Stream One), climate and value chain decarbonisation (Stream Two), and innovative cleantech and sustainable change (Stream Three). Stream One focuses on integrating ESG into investment strategies and sustainable finance, covering carbon pricing, renewable energy financing and circular economy models. Stream Two addresses net-zero goals by managing Scope 3 emissions, enhancing sustainability reporting, and tackling industry-specific decarbonisation challenges with practical case studies and data strategies. Stream Three explores cutting-edge climate technologies like carbon capture and sustainable agriculture, featuring product demos, startup showcases and investor networking to drive clean technology innovation. This tailored approach allows participants to customise their experience based on their interests and expertise, fostering rich discussions and collaboration. Gain exclusive insights, hear pioneering strategies and learn how key decision-makers are shaping Asia's sustainable future. Don't miss your chance to be part of this impactful ESG event. The Asia ESG Summit 2025 marks the inaugural summit of the Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium (A-EPIC), whose members include Star Media Group (SMG), KG Media and the Inquirer Group of Companies. The summit is organised by SMG, with Sime Darby Property Bhd as the Urban Biodiversity Partner. Join a growing community committed to building inclusive, resilient and environmentally responsible economies. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit CLICK TO ENLARGE
