Latest news with #KhooPoayTiong
The Star
06-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Ministry's new village blueprint aiming to revive communities, economies
A FRESH 10-year New Village Development Master Blueprint for Malaysia, succeeding the previous plan, is in the process of being drafted. Instead of private consultants, Housing and Local Government Ministry is looking at local expertise in academia and universities to shape the roadmap. Malaysian Chinese New Village Secretariat chairman Khoo Poay Tiong said the blueprint would be more inclusive, academically driven, and community-focused. 'Our academics have meticulously studied these villages and we should leverage on their expertise. 'Minister Nga Kor Ming has set four key directions for the blueprint – infrastructure development, 'One Village, One Product' initiative, new village beautification, and boosting tourism within these communities,' he said in an exclusive interview with StarMetro. Khoo said improving basic infrastructure was crucial to attracting young people to remain in new villages. 'The government will prioritise upgrading roads, drainage systems, street lighting, community halls and digital connectivity to support a comfortable and connected lifestyle,' Khoo said. 'The ministry is allocating RM100mil annually for development across 613 new villages nationwide. RM120mil was disbursed last year with potentially more for this year.' Recognising new villagers' rich cultural and economic potential, the blueprint will also push for the 'One Village, One Product' initiative, encouraging villagers to promote local offerings either local food, crafts or exclusive attractions. 'From Sekinchan's seafood and padi-based products to Perak's charcoal, many villages possess unique items and the government plans to aid in their promotion. 'Such initiatives are expected to attract tourists, create job opportunities, boost local economies and entice youths to return,' he said. 'Complementing this is the focus on new village beautification, ensuring communities are clean and well-maintained, thus fostering a conducive environment for long-term residency.' Khoo said through the Chinese New Village Bureau (BKBC), a competition called New Village Good Product was held under the One Village, One Product initiative. This provided successful participants with training in marketing and product packaging. 'Some winners have seen a 30% increase in sales after the competition's exposure, building their confidence to promote their products overseas.' The second competition, the New Village Beautification Competition, Khoo said encouraged villagers to adopt green concepts. 'Judges conduct unannounced evaluations to ensure villages maintain cleanliness,' he said, adding that both competitions were divided into north and south of the peninsula. He said the blueprint was geared towards positioning new villages as tourism destinations. 'New villages are rich in history, culture and nature, such as those in Johor, which can become attractive weekend getaways for locals and Singaporeans. 'These villages offer authentic experiences of traditional rural life, fresh food and eco-tourism activities like organic farming and fishing trips,' he said. Beyond macro-level development, the ministry has also introduced micro-level support for vulnerable groups within new village communities. 'This includes home repair grants of up to RM70,000 for B40 families and single mothers,' he said. 'Furthermore, a collaboration with Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) provides access to micro personal loans at just 2.5% interest per annum. 'These loans, ranging from RM50,000 for first-time borrowers to RM100,000 for subsequent ones, are helping villagers expand small businesses and renovate homes. 'Last year, over RM10mil in loans were disbursed from a RM140mil allocation, benefitting more than 200 borrowers.' Although depopulation still exists in certain remote villages, there is a growing trend of people returning to new villages. 'Leveraging the existing ecosystem of new villages, some have ventured into eco-farming, while others manage homestays,' he said. Regarding applications for Unesco heritage recognition, Khoo said the ministry was exploring such possibility. 'The ministry's role is to prepare the environment and infrastructure for young adults to return and revitalise local businesses, and boost local tourism. 'The historical and unique origins of new villages form part of our national heritage. 'Any village meeting the criteria for Unesco heritage recognition can apply. 'Who knows, they could transform into heritage towns, just like what happened with Melaka and George Town.' – By JAROD LIM
The Star
25-06-2025
- The Star
Melaka's trishaw riders to embark on 2,500km patriotic trip
TRADITIONAL trishaw riders from Melaka are set to celebrate the 68th National Day in a truly unique and patriotic fashion by pedalling their trishaws across the nation. Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong said that the 2,500km journey, dubbed as the Merdeka Trishaw Ride Tour, is not only a tribute to the spirit of independence but also a timely effort to promote the historic city ahead of the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY 2026). "The commitment shown by these four trishaw riders is admirable. "They're taking the lead in reviving the patriotic spirit and promoting VMY 2026 through their own meaningful way,' he said after meeting the group at Bandar Hilir on Wednesday (June 25). Khoo said the initiative is a commendable effort to inspire patriotism and raise awareness of Melaka's cultural charm. He also pledged RM40,000 as financial assistance to the group for their journey. Meanwhile, the chairman of the Persona Trishaw Association, Rosli Md Zain, said the tour will flag off on July 1 from the iconic Taming Sari Tower and is scheduled to conclude on Aug 30 at the Proclamation of Independence Memorial in Banda Hilir here. Rosli will be joined by three fellow riders, Mohd Razalie Rafie, 54, Firdaus Jefri, 30, and Muhammad Ramadan Rosli, 21, on the long trip. The four will use two traditional trishaws throughout the 61-day expedition. 'Beyond promoting patriotism, our ride aims to reignite the spirit of Merdeka and foster unity among Malaysians from all walks of life. 'We will give our utmost to fulfil this mission, with the hope that it leaves a meaningful legacy for future generations and deepens their love for the country,' he added.
Free Malaysia Today
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
15 DAP branches want ‘non-extreme' BN-PH candidates in Melaka polls
Members of the 15 DAP branches in Jasin after their AGM yesterday. They were joined by Melaka DAP leaders Khoo Poay Tiong and Kerk Chee Yee. (Melaka DAP pic) PETALING JAYA : Fifteen DAP branches in Jasin, Melaka, have urged the unity coalition of Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional against fielding candidates who are 'extreme' in the next Melaka state election. At their annual general meeting on Saturday, the 15 DAP branches unanimously passed a resolution stating their support for the unity government's candidates, on condition that they do not practise 'extreme politics that can divide the people'. 'We will not compromise with any party or politician that promotes hate and division,' read a joint statement issued by the branches after the AGM, which was attended by Melaka DAP chief Khoo Poay Tiong and publicity secretary Kerk Chee Yee. The DAP branches said political stability, racial harmony, and progressive leadership were essential to the future of Malaysia, and that they wanted to build a more unified, just, and prosperous nation. While they mentioned no names, the push against 'divisive' politicians appears to be aimed at the outspoken Umno Youth chief, Dr Akmal Saleh. The Jasin parliamentary constituency is composed of five state constituencies, including the Merlimau seat currently held by the Umno firebrand. Akmal, a Melaka executive councillor, has repeatedly locked horns with various DAP leaders since the formation of the unity government, defending his outspoken nature as a defence of Malay-Muslim rights. He has been outspoken on a range of issues, including the proposal to make Emergency-era New Villages a Unesco world heritage site, KK Mart's sale of socks bearing the word 'Allah', and the role of vernacular schools. Earlier this month, he slammed DAP after nine Melaka branches called for BN and PH to have an equal share of seats in the state election. Melaka has 28 state assembly seats. In the 2021 polls, BN won 21, PH secured five, and Perikatan Nasional claimed two.
Free Malaysia Today
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Akmal, Khoo question Azmin's ambitions for Bersatu in Melaka
(From left) Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh told Bersatu secretary-general Azmin Ali that people in Melaka do not want political leaders who only show up for elections, while Melaka DAP chief Khoo Poay Tiong feels Bersatu should 'tone down the big talk'. PETALING JAYA : Bersatu must prove that it has leaders who truly serve the people if it wants to win more state assembly seats in Melaka, said Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh. Responding to Bersatu secretary-general Azmin Ali's confidence that Bersatu will perform strongly at the next Melaka state election, Akmal, who is also a Melaka executive councillor, said people in the state want leaders who can serve. 'The people want leaders who serve all the time, not just show up when elections are near,' the Merlimau assemblyman told FMT. 'If Bersatu is confident it can take over Melaka, PN (Perikatan Nasional) must prove it has capable leaders.' Melaka DAP chief Khoo Poay Tiong reminded Bersatu not to be boastful ahead of the state election. 'Tone down the big talk and continue fulfilling the responsibilities given by the people,' said the Kota Melaka MP. The state assembly's term will end in November 2026, and an election must be held within 60 days of its dissolution. In a Facebook post yesterday, Azmin said he was sure Bersatu had a promising future in Melaka based on data and analysis from the 15th general election. PN has three assemblymen in the 28-seat Melaka state assembly, with Bersatu having two – Bemban assemblyman Dr Yadzil Yaakub and Sungai Udang assemblyman Aleef Yusof – and PAS one. Rembia assemblyman Jailani Khamis, who was previously part of the government bloc, was moved to the opposition bloc last December after PAS said he joined the party in 2023. Umno suspended Jailani's membership for six years for allegedly sabotaging the party by attending the announcement of the PN candidate for the Simpang Jeram by-election in Bakri, Johor.
