Latest news with #PKNS
Barnama
4 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
PKNS' BizMatch Mega Platform For Entrepreneurs To Expand Networks
SHAH ALAM, July 23 (Bernama) -- The Selangor State Development Corporation's (PKNS) BizMatch Mega 2025 programme, which has drawn the participation of more than 1,500 entrepreneurs, serves as a vital platform to strengthen and expand business networks through access to financing and entrepreneurship support. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the initiative was in line with the state's entrepreneurship development agenda, aimed at helping entrepreneurs engage directly with selected financing agencies to further grow their businesses. He said capital constraints had caused many individuals to postpone their plans to start a business, despite the government offering various forms of financial assistance for that purpose. 'Bank loans are not the only option and therefore PKNS has taken steps to provide an open platform to help entrepreneurs access information, advisory services and financing opportunities. 'The initiatives and efforts by PKNS to promote entrepreneurship among the people of Selangor are consistent and ongoing, and their impact is evident through the success and participation of many entrepreneurs in programmes such as BizMatch and SelBiz (Selangor Entrepreneur Expo),' he told a press conference after officiating the BizMatch Mega 2025 here today. Among the financing and entrepreneurship agencies involved in the programme are Agrobank, Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), SME Bank, TEKUN Nasional, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Selangor Zakat Board and SIRIM Bhd. Apart from the business matching session, BizMatch Mega also features the PKNS BizPoint Pavilion, which provides information on PKNS entrepreneurship programmes, property projects, and PKNS BizClub membership opportunities. Amirudin also commended the commitment shown by PKNS, which has produced over 10,000 entrepreneurs through programmes under its Entrepreneur Development Division and continues to remain active while other state economic development corporations (SEDCs) face various challenges. 'PKNS is among the few SEDCs that has managed to consistently and successfully implement economic and entrepreneurial development plans,' he said.
Sinar Daily
4 days ago
- General
- Sinar Daily
Eyesores and health hazards: Abandoned buildings threaten public safety and image
KUALA LUMPUR – Resembling haunted houses from horror films, abandoned buildings from stalled projects to neglected heritage sites are a familiar sight across Malaysia. Overrun by thick bushes, with some even sprouting trees from within, these abandoned buildings are more than just eyesores. They pose serious risks to nearby communities, serving as breeding grounds for diseases like dengue and attracting dangerous animals such as snakes. Additionally, such buildings may become hotspots for immoral activities or drug abuse. The PKNS public flats in Jalan Kuching, comprising 15 blocks and 600 units, stand in a state of neglect, caught between abandonment and decay. Photo by Bernama Describing the issue as long-standing, experts believe it is time to resolve the problem, especially as Malaysia actively prepares for the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign. EYE-SORE AND HAZARD Sharing her view, Associate Professor Dr Norwati Jamaluddin from the Department of Civil Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) said abandoned buildings, whether unfinished development projects or heritage sites, should not be left to deteriorate. She noted that these neglected structures pose safety risks to the community and spoil the visual appeal of their surroundings. The PKNS public flats in Jalan Kuching, comprising 15 blocks and 600 units, stand in a state of neglect, caught between abandonment and decay. Photo by Bernama "Besides their dilapidated appearance, abandoned premises often create hazardous environments, with risks such as collapsing structures due to lack of maintenance. "They also tend to attract irresponsible individuals who engage in immoral activities such as vandalism, drug use and other crimes, leading to public unrest in the area,' she told Bernama. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa was previously reported as saying that a total of 48 abandoned premises and buildings had been identified around the capital as of Feb 20 this year. According to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), 25 of them were residential buildings, while the remaining 23 were commercial premises. She added that abandoned buildings are not limited to suburban areas but are also found in high-value commercial areas in the city centre, such as Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Pudu, and Jalan Gombak. "On Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah (Jalan Ipoh), several commercial residential units have been abandoned, reflecting urban decline or stalled development. Similarly, on Lorong Tiong Nam, many old, rundown shop lots are in poor condition,' she said. According to the National Housing Department, as of May 31, there are 17 static-category abandoned private housing projects nationwide – some dating back to 1989. Another 45 projects are in the process of being revived. Even government-owned buildings contribute to the issue – including the heritage-status Federal Court building opposite Dataran Merdeka and the old state government office complex in Teluk Intan, Perak. ECONOMIC VALUE Norwati stressed that abandoned properties drag down surrounding property values and can become an economic burden for agencies, including local authorities. "Foreign journal reports show that such abandoned properties can reduce the value of surrounding real estate by 6.5 to 20 per cent. "They also burden local councils through lost tax revenue and increased maintenance, restoration and enforcement costs,' she said. She also cited the Broken Windows Theory, which suggests that visible neglect signals deeper, systemic problems if left unresolved. "For example, if a structure continues to deteriorate, it could lead to higher losses down the line, especially if it requires complete reconstruction. "Even if most of these buildings are privately owned, the government's image still suffers due to perceived poor management,' she added. GROWING CONCERN Meanwhile, senior lecturer at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Ar Nasrudin Sharkawi, said the glut of abandoned buildings raises concerns over urban planning, property values and sustainability in the construction sector. He said such stalled projects reflect failures in coordination and implementation within Malaysia's construction industry. "There are several contributing factors – including impractical designs that ignore local context, resulting in projects failing to attract buyers or tenants even after completion." He said developers may also suffer from poor management, lack of transparency, labour shortages or failure to get approval from local authorities. Nasrudin added that delayed or cancelled funding, especially for government projects, can leave structures partially built and abandoned. If resumed later, costs often exceed original budgets due to theft, vandalism or damage at the site. "In a free market context, many luxury developments are planned without considering actual market demand. When investors fail to see returns, buildings are left empty and become derelict,' he added. Heritage buildings, he said, face a similar dilemma – caught between preservation and adapting for modern use. A COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION Nasrudin called for an integrated, holistic approach from relevant agencies to tackle the root causes of abandoned buildings. He urged the Housing Ministry (KPKT), state governments and local councils to create a centralised, regularly updated database of abandoned projects for better planning and redevelopment. "A full audit of each building should also be conducted – assessing damage, ownership status, and potential for adaptive reuse. Buildings should be categorised for repair, reuse or controlled demolition.' He also suggested reviewing strata ownership and inheritance laws, which often complicate redevelopment efforts. To encourage restoration, he proposed tax incentives, low-interest loans, and public-private partnerships. Vacant buildings could also be temporarily repurposed as storage areas, pop-up shops, or art spaces. This aligns with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's proposal to review and reuse government-owned vacant properties for community benefit – including as shelters for the homeless and hardcore poor. Nasrudin further recommended penalties for private owners who leave buildings in hazardous conditions. "Neglecting buildings too long affects property value, public safety, and the area's image. "In the meantime, interim use can help reduce urban decay,' he said. - BERNAMA
The Sun
12-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
PKNS Entrepreneur Carnival aims for RM200k sales in Shah Alam
SHAH ALAM: The PKNS Entrepreneur Carnival (KUP) is aiming for RM200,000 in sales over its three-day event at PKNS Complex. Organisers reported transactions worth RM65,209 on the first day. State Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi said the carnival helps entrepreneurs enhance their skills and marketability. The event features participants from four PKNS-run programmes: PROTUNe, GROW, GROW PLUS, and BIZCLUB Exclusive. 'Entrepreneurs here gain more than just sales opportunities. They also learn communication, marketing, and time management through expo training,' said Mohd Najwan. He encouraged visitors to support local products, calling the experience invaluable for business growth. The state government remains committed to boosting entrepreneurship in Selangor. Mohd Najwan highlighted its role in reducing unemployment and strengthening grassroots economies. PKNS deputy group CEO Suhaimi Kasdon noted 120 stalls this year, showcasing products from entrepreneurs and students across Selangor. 'The growing participation reflects the rising entrepreneurial spirit among youth,' he said. Running until tomorrow, KUP features diverse offerings, including handicrafts, food, baby products, and catering services. - Bernama
The Star
22-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
PKNS, MBSA join hands to revitalise Section 13, 14 in Shah Alam
Mahmud (right) and Mohd Fauzi at the MOU signing ceremony between PKNS dan MBSA for the SA Sentral development project in Section 14, Shah Alam. — Bernama Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) and Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) have teamed up to drive the Shah Alam Sentral (SA Sentral) development project. PKNS group chief executive officer Datuk Mahmud Abbas and Shah Alam mayor Datuk Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to solidify the five-year partnership. With the agreement, Mahmud said both parties aimed to transform Shah Alam into a high-tech, low-carbon, and revitalised city. 'This strategic collaboration between PKNS and MBSA marks the beginning of the transformation of Sections 13 and 14 in Shah Alam. 'These historical areas will be given a new lease of life to remain relevant and dynamic in today's development landscape. 'As a rapidly growing city, this highlights the need for modern infrastructure, efficient public amenities, and sustainable as well as inclusive housing development,' he said after the signing ceremony at Galeria SA Sentral in Shah Alam, Bernama reported. Mahmud said the SA Sentral development spanned over 52ha and would be implemented based on the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) concept, encompassing modern residential areas, recreation, food and beverage shops and senior living facilities. The project is expected to be completed by 2031. He added that the PKNS Complex in Shah Alam would also undergo upgrades. As for the Aneka Walk development project adjacent to the iconic shopping mall, Mahmud said it was expected to be completed and operational by the fourth quarter of this year. 'Aneka Walk is designed as a modern lifestyle destination that integrates retail, recreation, and entrepreneurship elements within an inclusive and community-friendly environment. 'In addition, Plaza Perangsang will also be redeveloped into a hotel centre, and PKNS will soon sign an agreement with Grand Mercure as the operator,' he said. Launched last September, the SA Sentral project has a gross development value (GDV) of RM3bil. This high-impact project involves the development of Plaza Alam Sentral, Plaza Perangsang, SACC Mall, SACC Walk, PKNS Shah Alam Complex, Shah Alam Convention Centre (SACC) and several areas in Section 14.
The Sun
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
PKNS, MBSA form strategic partnership to develop Shah Alam Sentral
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) has formed a strategic partnership with the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) to plan, implement, and coordinate the development project of Shah Alam Sentral (SA Sentral). The collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed today by PKNS group chief executive officer Datuk Mahmud Abbas and MBSA, represented by Shah Alam mayor Datuk Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim. Mahmud said the five-year agreement demonstrates the continued commitment of both parties to plan development more strategically and sustainably, by aligning efforts to rejuvenate Shah Alam into a high-tech, low-carbon, and revitalised city. 'This strategic collaboration between PKNS and MBSA marks the beginning of the transformation of Sections 13 and 14 here—areas rich in history—that will be given a new lease of life to remain relevant and dynamic in today's development landscape. 'As a rapidly growing city in terms of population density and urban development, this highlights the need for modern infrastructure, efficient public amenities, and sustainable as well as inclusive housing development', he said at a press conference following the MoU signing ceremony held at Galeria SA Sentral here. Mahmud said the SA Sentral development spans over 130 acres and will be implemented based on the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) concept, encompassing modern residential areas, recreation, food and beverage (F&B) outlets, and senior living facilities. The project is expected to be fully completed by 2031. He added that the PKNS Complex in Shah Alam will undergo upgrades. At the same time, the Aneka Walk development project, situated adjacent to the iconic shopping mall, is expected to be completed and operational by the fourth quarter of this year. This will further boost the state's economic activities and provide spacious and comfortable business spaces for local entrepreneurs. 'More than just a commercial hub, Aneka Walk is designed as a modern lifestyle destination that integrates retail, recreation, and entrepreneurship elements within an inclusive and community-friendly environment. 'In addition, Plaza Perangsang will also be redeveloped into a hotel centre, and PKNS will soon sign an agreement with Grand Mercure as the operator,' he said. Launched last September, the SA Sentral project aims to position Shah Alam as a business hub capable of competing with Kuala Lumpur, with a gross development value (GDV) of RM3 billion. This high-impact project involves the development of Plaza Alam Sentral, Plaza Perangsang, SACC Mall, SACC Walk, the PKNS Shah Alam Complex, the Shah Alam Convention Centre (SACC), and several areas in Section 14.
