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Sinar Daily
25-06-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Unveiling Kota Madani: Inside Putrajaya's RM4 billion smart, sustainable, car-free city
PUTRAJAYA – The RM4 billion Kota Madani development project in Precinct 19, Putrajaya, is poised to be one of Malaysia's most ambitious and transformative urban undertakings. Announced under the Madani framework by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the project is designed to reinforce Putrajaya's identity as a people-centric, sustainable federal capital. The project, announced under the Madani framework by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is designed to reinforce Putrajaya's identity as a people-centric, sustainable federal capital. What is Kota Madani? Spanning 41.28 hectares, the high-density township will not only house 10,000 government quarters and up to 35,000 residents but also integrate artificial intelligence (AI), green mobility and next-generation digital infrastructure into every aspect of city life. According to Putrajaya Corporation (PPj) president Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud, the estimated RM4 billion development cost will be funded via a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) model. Putrajaya Holdings (PJH) has been appointed as the master developer, with the project structured under a Build–Lease–Maintain–Transfer (BLMT) model to ensure long-term sustainability and reduce the financial burden on the government. The township will feature high-density vertical housing, AI-supported building management systems, high-speed digital connectivity and a green mobility ecosystem that includes EV infrastructure, cycling lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets. Photo illustrated by Sinar Daily. 'The government has decided to proceed with this project using PFI and the Cabinet has approved PJH as the implementing body for the project, with a development budget of RM4 billion sanctioned by the government,' Fadlun said during a media briefing. He clarified that the Public-Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) under the Prime Minister's Department will oversee all expenditures through a rigorous value assessment process. 'The government always considers cost-saving measures, but the objective of providing facilities, especially for civil servants and those working in Putrajaya, remains a priority,' he said. According to the Malaysian Institute of Planners president Datin Mazrina Abdul Khalid, the inclusion of these 'green' elements forms the core foundation of the township's design philosophy. When Does It Start? Phase 1 of the project, scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2025, will comprise approximately 3,000 high-rise residential units and an eight-story secondary school. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled to take place this Thursday, officially launching the construction process. These initial components are expected to be completed and fully operational by the end of 2027. Tenders for contractors and stakeholders will also be opened soon, with PJH conducting a transparent open bidding process. Contracts will be awarded based on merit, particularly the bidder's technical capabilities, experience with green development and ability to deliver smart-city infrastructure in line with Putrajaya's vision. Kota Madani will be developed in three main phases. According to Putrajaya Corporation (PPj) president Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud, the estimated RM4 billion development cost will be funded via a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) model. Phase 1 (including Sub-Phases 1A and 1B) will focus on initial housing and educational infrastructure. The subsequent phases will roll out more housing units and community services, bringing the total to around 10,000 quarters once fully complete. The development is expected to set a benchmark for urban planning not only in Putrajaya but across Malaysia, offering a scalable model that combines digital, environmental and social priorities in a unified, livable ecosystem. A Staggering RM4 Billion Cost But what exactly accounts for the RM4 billion cost? Fadlun clarified that beyond construction, the figure includes integrated digital and AI systems, sustainable transportation infrastructure, energy-efficient housing design and lifetime maintenance of the government quarters. The township will feature high-density vertical housing, AI-supported building management systems, high-speed digital connectivity and a green mobility ecosystem that includes EV infrastructure, cycling lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets. Key public amenities such as a health clinic, fire station, police station, mosque,and financial institutions will be placed within walkable proximity to residential blocks, creating a self-contained township. The development also integrates energy-efficient features and low-carbon initiatives to support environmentally responsible urban living. According to the Malaysian Institute of Planners president Datin Mazrina Abdul Khalid, the inclusion of these 'green' elements forms the core foundation of the township's design philosophy. Despite the hefty RM4 billion price tag, under the BLMT model, the government does not directly bear the cost of maintenance, which will be financed and managed over the long term as part of the private investment agreement. The repayment schedule and oversight will also be coordinated by UKAS. A Car-Free Environment While it may seem like any other residential development project, Kota Madani is set to break new strides in Malaysia's residential landscape with a car-free concept. As Mazrina further elaborated, vehicles will be permitted within the precinct, but their movement will be entirely underground. "Cars will immediately descend to the basement when they enter Kota Madani and will be parked in a three-story underground parking structure. "Above that, starting from the podium level, every area is a car-free zone reserved solely for pedestrians,' she said. This layout allows residents to experience everyday life without the hazards or disruptions of vehicular traffic. Schools, mosques, community hubs, shops and recreational areas are all within walking distance. 'Imagine being able to walk from home to your child's school, to the market, to the playground, to the community centre or to the mosque without crossing any roads or traffic lanes,' Mazrina quipped. The goal is to ensure that all essential amenities are just a ten to fifteen minute walk away. Kota Madani is not only people-focused but also technologically advanced as it will incorporate smart-city features including artificial intelligence for surveillance and facilities management. Sustainable practices such as solar energy use, rainwater harvesting, rooftop gardens and community allotments are also integrated into the design, reinforcing its low-carbon ambition. Kota Madani, Beyond the Horizon Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa affirmed that the name 'Kota Madani' will be retained, in alignment with the aspirations of the current Unity Government. Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa affirmed that the name 'Kota Madani' will be retained, in alignment with the aspirations of the current Unity Government. She said that the project transcends political cycles and is deeply rooted in a forward-thinking, inclusive development framework. 'The CHASE City Healthy, Advanced, Safe and Eco-Friendly has been comprehensively incorporated, as introduced by the Federal Territories Department. "If we successfully implement this concept in Putrajaya, it may be expanded to other locations,' she said. Mazrina, who is also the Urban SCALE Studio Sdn Bhd managing director, echoed this sentiment, stating that Kota Madani's masterplan draws inspiration from Malaysia's architectural heritage while embracing modern urban design principles. 'Kota Madani goes beyond conventional housing. It is a forward-looking model for smart, sustainable and inclusive development,' she said.
The Sun
16-06-2025
- The Sun
Haj scam: Company linked to 47 duped pilgrims unlicensed - Mohd Na'im
JASIN: The company linked to a recent fraud involving 47 Malaysian haj pilgrims has been confirmed to be operating without a valid licence or accreditation as a Haj Pilgrimage Operator (PJH), which is required to manage haj travel arrangements. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said preliminary checks showed that the agent in question was not affiliated with any company officially accredited by Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) or the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Haj and Umrah. 'It is not a PJH company and most likely a travel agent. There is also a possibility that they entered Jeddah illegally to perform the haj using tourist visas or those from other countries, and if that is the case, it would indeed be difficult for us to detect the offence,' he told reporters after visiting and distributing prayer items to the Muslim community at Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Seraya here today. Commenting further, Mohd Na'im said the group of pilgrims was believed to have first travelled to another destination, most likely Türkiye, before entering Saudi Arabia. 'In this case, I understand they travelled from Jeddah via Türkiye and not directly back here (to Malaysia). So they entered Jeddah from Türkiye, and we cannot stop them if their stated reason is for a holiday or similar,' he said. He added that his ministry had undertaken numerous measures to curb such fraud cases, including issuing no fewer than 10 media statements during each haj season to warn pilgrims to remain vigilant against unscrupulous parties. Among the efforts, he said, included setting up a special task force with TH, the Immigration Department and the Royal Malaysia Police, as well as tightening regulatory oversight of all haj travel agents and taking stern action against unlicensed operators. Media reports previously stated that 47 Malaysian pilgrims were believed to have been duped by a local haj agent allegedly linked to a well-known religious figure.
Barnama
16-06-2025
- Barnama
Haj Scam: Company Linked To 47 Duped Pilgrims Unlicensed - Mohd Na'im
JASIN, June 16 (Bernama) -- The company linked to a recent fraud involving 47 Malaysian haj pilgrims has been confirmed to be operating without a valid licence or accreditation as a Haj Pilgrimage Operator (PJH), which is required to manage haj travel arrangements. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said preliminary checks showed that the agent in question was not affiliated with any company officially accredited by Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) or the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Haj and Umrah. 'It is not a PJH company and most likely a travel agent. There is also a possibility that they entered Jeddah illegally to perform the haj using tourist visas or those from other countries, and if that is the case, it would indeed be difficult for us to detect the offence,' he told reporters after visiting and distributing prayer items to the Muslim community at Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Seraya here today.
New Straits Times
16-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Company linked to fraud of 47 haj pilgrims does not have licence, accreditation: Na'im
JASIN: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, has confirmed that the company linked to the fraud involving 47 haj pilgrims did not possess a valid licence or accreditation as a Haj Pilgrimage Operator (PJH), authorised to manage pilgrimage arrangements. He said initial checks revealed that the agent involved was not from any company officially accredited by Lembaga Tabung Haji or the Saudi Haj and Umrah Ministry. Commenting further, Na'im said the ongoing investigation revealed that the agent was believed to have brought the pilgrims through a third country, suspected to be Türkiye, before entering Saudi Arabia — raising questions about the visa route and the actual whereabouts of pilgrims not recorded in the official system. "It is highly likely that this route was used to avoid scrutiny," he said after presenting prayer essentials to the Muslim community in the Bukit Seraya Orang Asli Settlement earlier today. He advised the public to check the background of companies offering haj or umrah packages. He added that the ministry will tighten regulations on all haj travel agents, including taking firm action against unlicensed operators. Meanwhile, Na'im urged those involved in organising these 'backdoor' haj packages to repent. He said many advisories and warnings had been issued to private haj operators to obtain approval from Tabung Haji to manage such pilgrimages, yet some parties continue to exploit pilgrims. Warnings have also been issued to the public about the risk of performing haj without a valid permit or quota, including during Friday sermons. "Yet such undesirable incidents continue to occur. I urge those involved to repent," Na'im added. Last Saturday, the media reported that 47 Malaysian pilgrims were allegedly victims of fraud by a local haj agent believed to involve a prominent religious figure. The report quoted a victim's child who claimed that her mother, father and aunt had travelled to Saudi Arabia for haj with the said agent on May 9 and were forced to trek through dangerous routes on foot without proper documentation to reach Makkah upon arrival in Jeddah, due to strict enforcement by Saudi authorities against unregistered haj pilgrims.
New Straits Times
07-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Mais urges haj scam victims to lodge police reports immediately
SHAH ALAM: Victims of fraudulent haj packages are urged to lodge police reports immediately and provide all relevant information to facilitate stern legal action against the syndicates or individuals involved. Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) chairman Datuk Salehuddin Saidin said prosecuting those involved in haj fraud is crucial to eradicating such practices and protecting Muslims from falling victim to scams. He also advised prospective pilgrims to verify the background and legitimacy of haj service providers by referring to the official list of licensed Hajj Pilgrimage Organisers (PJH) on the Lembaga Tabung Haji website. "Be cautious of offers that are too cheap or even free, as this is usually the modus operandi of fraudsters. "Also, immediately report any suspicious activity to the authorities for further action," he said in a statement today. The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, earlier expressed his sadness and disappointment over the increase in haj package fraud cases involving Muslims in the country. In a post on the Selangor Royal Office's Facebook page, His Royal Highness decreed that firm action be taken against any individual or travel agency offering haj packages that exploit and deceive Muslims. He expressed his disappointment at the latest incident reported by the media, in which more than 80 prospective pilgrims were left stranded at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), believed to be due to fake packages offered by syndicates.
