Markets potential for tourism as cultural landmarks
HOUSING and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) has allocated more than RM136mil to transform public markets nationwide into cultural landmarks and tourism hotspots.
The announcement came during the second edition of Subang Jaya Car-Free Day (HTKSJ) 2025, held in Seri Kembangan, where Minister Nga Kor Ming officiated the prize-giving ceremony of the Design Idea Competition (DIC) for the redevelopment of Pasar Awam SK10, Seri Kembangan.
He added that all new markets and those undergoing upgrades above RM10mil would be required to hold similar design competitions.
The design competition for Pasar Awam SK10 in Selangor, set to undergo redevelopment estimated at RM12mil, was a joint effort between Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) and Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM). It attracted 91 designs from local architecture firms.
This competition used a comprehensive evaluation method, with 90% assessed by professional jurors.
The remaining 10% comprised community representatives, including Seri Kembangan assemblyman Wong Siew Ki, city councillors, MBSJ department heads and representatives from SK10 Market Traders Association.
The competition also accepted international entries to ensure the best ideas were considered.
Moa Architects Sdn Bhd took home the top prize of RM50,000, followed by Ky Loh Architect with RM30,000 in second place.
Spatial Factor Architects received RM15,000 for third placing, while seven other firms were given consolation prizes of RM5,000 each.
The winning firms would be appointed as consultants, while the city council would retain design copyright.
'This initiative empowers local professionals, strengthens public-private sector collaboration and ensures that the redevelopment of public markets aligns with the needs of both the community and the industry,' said Nga.
The Local Government Department (JKT), in collaboration with PAM, will run the design competition for eight other public market projects.
They are Pasar Taman Muda in Ampang, Pasar Kajang and Pasar Kekal at the Pasar Sungai Long site in Cheras – all three in Selangor, Pasar Borong Gong Pauh in Kuala Terengganu (Terengganu), Pasar Besar Kuala Pilah (Negri Sembilan), Pasar Besar Kuala Krai (Kelantan), Pasar Besar Ipoh (Perak) and Pasar Besar Melaka Sentral in Melaka.
On another matter, Nga said local councils would be categorised under performance-based 'traffic light' policy regarding federal funding.
'Councils ranked with a red light due to poor performance might have their allocations pulled.
'Those in yellow due to unsatisfactory (performance) will be reviewed.
'And those in green will be eligible for increased allocations,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Fewer than 1,500 property purchases by foreigners in 2024, says minister
PETALING JAYA: There were 1,459 property purchases by foreigners last year, says Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. He said this accounts for 0.56% or RM3.054bil of the total 259,058 property transactions worth RM103.9bil by Malaysian citizens last year. "The Ministry's priority is to ensure every citizen has a place to live, whether owned or rented, under the concept of housing as a place to live (shelter for all), in line with the aspirations and goals of the National Housing Policy (2018-2025)," he said. Nga stated this in a parliamentary written reply dated July 31 in response to Ismail Muttalib (Perikatan-Maran), who asked about the statistics on foreigners owning houses in Malaysia. Ismail also inquired about the number of Malaysians owning more than two homes. According to Nga, the Basic Amenities Survey report 2022 by the Statistics Department noted 76.5% of Malaysians owned a home but did not specify if they owned more than two. Meanwhile, Nga said the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme under the Syarikat Jaminan Kredit Perumahan Bhd (SJKP) has approved guaranteed loans totalling RM20.9bil based on 88,507 applications. Nga also said the government is considering expanding the rent-to-buy scheme for the people's housing programme (PPR), considering changing trends where buyers are concerned about economic stability.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Close to 500,000 affordable houses built under 12MP as of March
PETALING JAYA: A total of 492,360 affordable houses have been built as of March 31 of this year, says Nga Kor Ming. The Housing and Local Government Minister said that this means that Putrajaya has hit 98% of its target of constructing 500,000 affordable houses by 2025 under the 12th Malaysian Plan. "Up to March 31 this year, the Madani government achieved 98% of its affordable housing target, with 492,360 units in various phases of construction, including completed, under construction, and in planning throughout the country. "This commitment is implemented together by the federal government, state governments, and private developers," he said in a written Parliamentary reply dated July 31. Meanwhile, Nga said the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme under the Syarikat Jaminan Kredit Perumahan Bhd (SJKP) has approved guaranteed loans totalling RM20.9bil based on 88,507 applications. "The SJKP allocations have also been increased by RM10bil this year, bringing the total allocations to RM30bil," he added. Nga also said the government is considering expanding the rent-to-buy scheme for the people's housing programme (PPR), considering changing trends where buyers are concerned about economic stability. "The rise in housing prices is due to various factors such as location, construction costs, infrastructure costs, land costs, compliance costs, as well as developer profits," he added. Nga also mentioned that based on the Basic Amenities Survey report 2022 by the Statistics Department, 76.5% of households in Malaysia own a home, while 20.3% are renting and about 3.3% reside in quarters. "The Ministry will continue efforts to ensure each resident has access to affordable, quality, and conducive housing," added Nga. Under the 13th Malaysian Plan unveiled last week, Putrajaya aims to build one million affordable housing units from 2026 to 2035.
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
US tariff cut signals global trust in Malaysia, says Nga
PETALING JAYA: The United States' decision to reduce tariffs on Malaysian exports to 19% reflects international confidence in Putrajaya's economic governance and diplomatic efforts, says Nga Kor Ming (pic). The Housing and Local Government Minister described the revised tariff rate as a testament to Malaysia's credibility as a reliable economic partner and its effective diplomatic engagement. 'We are grateful for this positive development. It sends a strong signal of trust in Malaysia's economic governance, policy reforms and commitment to fair and rules-based trade. 'The 19% rate achieved without compromising our national sovereignty underscores Malaysia's maturity in international negotiations,' he said in a statement yesterday. Nga, who is president of the UN-Habitat Assembly – which sets policy direction on Sustainable Urban Development and Human Settlements, credited the sustained bilateral negotiations led by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry under the guidance of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said progressive trade developments would have a positive impact across sectors, particularly construction and manufacturing. Nga said Malaysia's export of furniture, lighting signs and prefabricated building materials to the United States was valued at US$1.55bil (about RM7bil) in 2024. 'Lower tariffs can enable greater access to quality construction material and technologies at competitive prices, supporting our goal to build smarter, greener and more liveable homes and cities,' he said. Nga also welcomed the planned visit of US President Donald Trump to Kuala Lumpur in October for the 47th Asean Summit, as announced by Anwar on Thursday.
