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Malay Mail
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Urban renewal isn't a threat — it's the help our cities desperately need — Syerleena Abdul Rashid
'The right to housing means the right to live somewhere in security, peace and dignity — not in overcrowded, crumbling flats or flood-prone slums.' — United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights MAY 5 — Malaysia is at a crossroads. For too long, our urban centres — once proud symbols of growth and diversity — have been allowed to crumble under the weight of neglect, outdated infrastructure, and poor planning. If we continue to ignore this, many of our neighbourhoods will slip further into decay, dragging down the quality of life for millions. The Urban Renewal Act (URA) is our opportunity to reverse that decline. It is not about luxury condos or gentrification — it is about ensuring that ordinary Malaysians have access to safe, decent, and liveable homes. It is about fixing what's broken — and doing it right. The Act proposes what we've long needed: proper legal frameworks, transparent compensation, public consultation, and a people-first approach to redevelopment. It moves us away from an era of shady backdoor deals and unchecked development — and toward a system that's fair, transparent, and sustainable. Unfortunately, instead of working together to fix what's broken, some quarters of the opposition are once again resorting to an all-too-familiar playbook — using race to stoke fear. This brand of lazy politics is not only reckless but it does nothing to address the real struggles faced by everyday Malaysians. Just last week, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming invited opposition MPs to visit run-down flats in the Klang Valley to see for themselves the urgency of urban renewal. Not a single one showed up. Instead of showing leadership, they stayed silent — content to criticise from afar. Meanwhile, the problems continue to mount. In places like Rifle Range in Penang — once a pioneering model of public housing — the buildings are now falling apart. Residents face outdated wiring, pest infestations, poor ventilation, and lifts that break down regularly. Many have asked for help for years, but efforts have been stalled by bureaucracy and the absence of a national legal mechanism. In places like Rifle Range in Penang, once a pioneering model of public housing, the buildings are now falling apart. Residents face outdated wiring, pest infestations, poor ventilation, and lifts that break down regularly. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin Penang has tried to act on its own, but without federal support, even the best intentions get tangled in red tape. The URA can change that — giving states the power and resources to act decisively, while ensuring that no community is left behind. So when certain politicians claim that the URA is a threat to Malay land or heritage, let's call it what it is, and that is, misinformation. Malay rights are protected under our Federal Constitution — and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated this fact time and again. The URA is a tool for progress that upholds fairness and presents hope. It is about making sure our children grow up with access to parks and clean walkways, not rat-infested corridors. While making sure our seniors live in comfort and not in fear of building collapse. Rifle Range, like so many communities across the country, is multiracial. Malays, Chinese, Indians — all struggling with the same issues: failing infrastructure, unsafe buildings, and a lack of basic services. Supporting the URA means choosing a Malaysia that works for everyone — not just for those lucky enough to live behind security guards and gated fences. In the end, the choice is simple: fix what's broken — or leave it to crumble. And we choose to fix it. * Syerleena Abdul Rashid is the Member of Parliament for Bukit Bendera ** This is the personal opinion of the writers or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Borneo Post
28-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Dr Sim leads delegation to Manchester in UK to study housing, urban renewal models
Dr Sim (third right) and the delegation being briefed at one of the sites they visited. – Photo via Facebook/Dr Sim Kui Hian KUCHING (April 28): A Sarawak delegation led by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian is currently in Manchester, United Kingdom, on a working visit focused on housing and urban regeneration. Dr Sim, who is also Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, shared in a Facebook post that Sarawak needs to plan ahead to meet growing demands for public housing and public transportation as part of its broader nation-building efforts. He explained that the government is making progress towards achieving economic prosperity, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability goals under Sarawak's Post Covis-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. 'For the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030), the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) Sarawak is proposing to raise the target for affordable housing from the previous 3,000 units to 20,000 units. Such targets will require teamwork from different government agencies as well as private and public partnership,' he stated in the Facebook post. Apart from deputy ministers and officials from Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) Sarawak, members of the delegation also comprised representatives from the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) Sarawak, Sarawak Planning Authority (SPA), Land & Survey Department Sarawak, Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) Sarawak dan Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers' Association (SHEDA). They visited the Urban Regeneration of New Islington in Ancoats, Manchester, where a former industrial site was transformed into affordable council housing, green spaces and enhanced connectivity (canal, public transport) with a vibrant, sustainable community. They were also briefed on the Hulme Crescents Redevelopment Project, which Dr Sim described as another prime example of urban renewal that integrates public affordable housing within a planned, sustainable community framework. Additionally, the delegation visited Heaton Park in Manchester, one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, spanning approximately 600 acres. Dr Sim Kui Hian housing urban regeneration working visit
The Star
24-04-2025
- General
- The Star
Firefly sanctuary funded by federal government launched in Kemaman
The firefly sanctuary project in Kampung Yak Yah in Chukai, Terengganu, stands not only as a symbol of environmental conservation but also a driver of growth for the local economy. Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu said the RM5.3mil initiative, which began in 2019, was fully completed in April last year. Funded entirely by the Federal Government, the project aims to conserve, restore and rehabilitate the firefly population within the Sungai Chukai ecosystem, reported Bernama. 'This project was implemented by the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) under the Landscape Conservation Programme through the National Landscape Department, in collaboration with Kemaman Municipal Council,' she said after officially launching the sanctuary. As part of efforts to protect the firefly habitat, 200 mangrove trees, 2,000 berembang (mangrove apple) and 500 nipah palms were also planted along the river. Aiman Athirah said the sanctuary was equipped with a range of facilities, including a jetty for visitors, information centre and boat services for guided river tours. It has also been recognised as one of Malaysia's leading firefly-viewing destinations due to the presence of the Pteroptyx tener, a firefly species known for its ability to flash in synchrony. 'This makes the sanctuary a significant draw for both nature enthusiasts and eco-tourists,' she said. Aiman Athirah added that the sanctuary would also function as a hub for research, environmental education and volunteer-led conservation initiatives.
BBC News
11-03-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Wolverhampton local plan promotes 'brownfield-first approach'
A council has submitted a local plan, which focuses on building on brownfield land and City of Wolverhampton Council's plan will guide future development in the city up to 2042. It has been sent to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government for an independent public the key features identified are areas for housing, environmental areas to protect, and key transport schemes to guide design and secure infrastructure."We continue to promote a brownfield-first approach, and we are pressing ahead with a Wolverhampton Local Plan that does not contain any green belt sites," said councillor Chris Burden. "It is critical to have a Local Plan in place to provide certainty for our communities and support regeneration and investment in our city."The Wolverhampton Local Plan will help facilitate a vibrant mixed-use city centre, enable new housing and employment opportunities on brownfield sites across the city, support local centres, and strengthen the local economy."The plan builds on work undertaken during the Black Country plan process and has been informed by two consultations in the last 12 council had already made it a priority to use brownfield February, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) gave a £20m loan to the city's Canalside South scheme, which will see more than 530 homes delivered across the former British Steel and Crane Foundry site and land off Qualcast Road, which has been derelict for 15 November, more than £1m of government funding was secured for two brownfield housing developments - on the former Loxdale Primary School in Bilston and Stowheath Day Training Centre, in East councils are required to prepare a Local Plan that decides where new development will be located, how development will be designed and managed, and which areas will be protected from development. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
The Independent
28-02-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Tories warn against endorsing Islamophobia definition as review group launched
Work to create an official definition of Islamophobia would risk 'a chilling effect on free speech', the Conservatives have warned. Ministers have launched a 'working group' aimed at forming an official definition of what is meant by Islamophobia or anti-Muslim hatred within six months. The group has been created as incidents of hate crime in England and Wales aimed at Muslims is at an all time high, according to the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government. The working group will be chaired by former Conservative minister Dominic Grieve KC. But the Conservatives have claimed using the phrase Islamophobia carries a risk to free speech, and have urged the Government to focus on the phrase anti-Muslim hatred instead. Kevin Hollinrake, the shadow communities secretary, said: 'The 'Islamophobia' definition risks creating a chilling effect on free speech, legitimate and lawful debate and hindering criticism of Islamist extremism. ''Anti-Muslim hatred' is a more appropriate term as it reflects existing UK hate crime legislation. 'Anti-Muslim hatred, indeed any kind of hate, is abhorrent and has no place in our society or politics. 'No-one should ever be a victim of hatred because of their religion or belief.' Tory frontbenchers have previously claimed endorsing the definition of Islamophobia agreed by an all-party parliamentary group on British Muslims would create a 'blasphemy law' by the backdoor. Working group chairman Mr Grieve said Islamophobia 'is as challenging to define as its existence is undoubted'. He added: 'We need to balance addressing the lived experience of those who are victims of it and the right of British Muslims to feel heard and protected as equal citizens of our country, with the unwavering requirement to maintain freedom of thought and expression under law for all. 'I welcome the Government's decision to bring forward this needed work and I am hopeful that this commission will come up with principles in defining Islamophobia which are compatible with those requirements and can thus help support positive change in our country.' Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who is also the Communities Secretary, said anti-Muslim hate crime 'is unacceptable and has no place in our society'. She added: 'That's why we've committed to defining Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia, as a crucial steps forward in tackling it and creating a society where everyone feels safe and welcome.'
