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New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Penang futureproofs for 'disruptions' via resilence strategy
GEORGE TOWN: Penang today officially launched the Penang Resilience Strategy (PRS), a state-wide plan aimed at preparing for future disruptions such as climate challenges, economic shifts, public health threats or social inequalities. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow described the strategy as a crucial step to futureproof the state in the face of a fast-changing world. "This is not just the unveiling of a document. It is a declaration of intent – a collective commitment to futureproof our state against the uncertainties and disruptions of an ever-changing world," he said during the unveiling ceremony. Developed through extensive community engagements, the PRS is Malaysia's first state-level resilience strategy. It is built around a people-first, data-informed and action-oriented framework, shaped by thousands of contributions from civil society, businesses, youth groups, academics and the public. "Resilience means more than recovery. It means building systems that anticipate, absorb, and evolve – whether in response to climate challenges, economic shifts, public health threats, or social inequalities," Chow added. The strategy supports Penang's Penang2030 vision of becoming a "Family-Focused Green and Smart State", and aligns with other state initiatives such as the Penang Green Agenda and Penang Island Climate Action Plan. As part of the launch, Chow also introduced the Pledge for a Resilient Penang, encouraging individuals and organisations to take active roles in strengthening the state's ability to respond to future risks. "Whether you are part of a business investing in green infrastructure, a teacher instilling resilience values in young minds, or a community group advocating for safer neighbourhoods – your role matters," he said. To ensure effective implementation, the Penang State Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) will lead coordination efforts, integrating the PRS into urban planning, infrastructure and land use policies. "This is just the beginning. While we cannot predict every shock or stress that lies ahead, we can strengthen our capacity to respond with unity, with foresight, and with compassion," said Chow. The PRS positions Penang as a national leader in building resilience, with a focus on inclusive planning and long-term sustainability.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
STRA draft guidelines to be presented to Cabinet soon, says Deputy Tourism Minister
KUALA LUMPUR: Short-Term Residential Accommodation (STRA) draft guidelines developed by the Housing and Local Government, through PLANMalaysia, will be presented for discussion at the Cabinet level soon, the Dewan Rakyat hears. Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan ( pic ) said it would then be brought to the National Council for Local Government. 'Once approved, it will be utilised by state governments and local councils to regulate STRAs in a more coordinated and sustainable manner. 'It is targeted for implementation by the end of this year,' he said during question time on Wednesday (July 30). Khairul Firdaus added that both his ministry and the Housing and Local Government Ministry had come to a consensus where STRAs can only be registered as tourist accommodation premises once they receive a business license from local councils. 'This is essential as the licensing matters fall under the jurisdiction of the respective local authorities,' he said. He added that more than 10 engagements have been held with stakeholders between January to August 2023. The deputy minister also said the ministry has completed a review of the Tourism Industry Act 1992, with amendments expected to be tabled anytime between the end of this year to early 2026. He said 54 engagements were held, involving almost 1,000 participants from various government agencies, non-governmental organisations and industry players from across Malaysia. Among the proposed amendments, he said, are licensing, insurance coverage, enhancing enforcement, digital registration platforms and the establishment of a tourism tribunal. He was responding to a question by Aminolhuda Hassan (PH-Sri Gading), who asked if the ministry, together with the Housing and Local Government Ministry, have plans to streamline the Tourism Industry Act 1992 with new STRA guidelines to prevent any overlap in terms of responsibilities.
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Johor's digital economy gets boost with 42 approved data centre projects in Q2 2025, says state exco
JOHOR BAHRU, July 29 — Johor approved 42 data centre construction projects in the second quarter of this year, positioning the state as a leader in the country's digital investment and a strategic destination for high-tech, knowledge-based economic growth in the region, said Johor Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor. In a Facebook post, he stated that data centres serve as a key driver for the implementation of the Johor-Singapore Economic Zone, the Johor Digital Plan, and the state's border economic transformation agenda. He made the statement following the Johor Data Centre Development Taskforce meeting, which was co-chaired by Johor Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communication Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh, and Johor Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Lee Ting Han. Mohd Jafni said the meeting also reviewed seven new applications for data centre development in the Greater Johor Bahru area. He said the task force represents a holistic approach by the state government, coordinated by Johor Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) and involving key technical agencies in the state. Mohd Jafni said the state government prioritises the development of data centres in planned industrial zones such as Ibrahim Technopolis (IBTEC) in Kulai, the Sedenak industrial area, and the Pasir Gudang industrial zone, as these locations offer strategic advantages, including direct access to major highways, high-capacity power grids, stable water supply, and proximity to ports and international airports. He added that a total of 7,618 acres of planned industrial land has been allocated for data centre development, including areas under the Pasir Gudang City Council, such as ASM Green, Rising Gateway, Iskandar Halal Hub, Kosmo, and Keck Seng, as well as IBTEC under the Kulai Municipal Council. 'IBTEC, developed by Johor Land Group, alone has allocated 600 acres specifically for data centre development,' he said, adding that the state government will also limit new approvals for data centre construction in areas under the Johor Bahru City Council and Iskandar Puteri City Council to avoid land use conflicts with residential areas. 'The approval process for data centres in Johor is highly transparent and based on genuine technical requirements. Each application must comply with noise and heat control measures, architectural design standards, energy capacity requirements, as well as disaster and environmental risk management considerations. He noted that Johor is the first state to adopt Tier 4 data centre technology, the highest classification for data centre reliability and redundancy, which includes air-cooling systems and wastewater recycling technology, developed in collaboration with Indah Water Konsortium and Johor Special Water. — Bernama
The Star
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘The people deserve certainty'
JOHOR BARU: Johor is working to address its remaining high-risk, problematic and abandoned projects. State housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said an action plan will strengthen approval policies and regulatory controls over new developments to ensure they are well managed with 'past mistakes not repeated'. 'The people deserve certainty, not indefinite waiting,' he said on the abandoned commercial projects in Johor. Mohd Jafni said several abandoned residential and commercial projects have been taken over by local developers, adding that they included the apartment and commercial development in Greenland in front of Istana Bukit Serene. 'The Skudai Parade shopping complex is also undergoing redevelopment under new ownership.' On the stalled Waterfront City Mall project, also known as Lot 1 building, he said the challenges were significant as it involved 354 individual owners. 'There is a lack of unity among the owners, making it difficult to reach a consensus or solution, which is further complicated due to the project having been abandoned for over 20 years with the building officially closed since 2003. 'The structure has deteriorated severely and is now considered a derelict site,' he added. The exco member said despite many discussions over the years, there was no deal clinched and no company has been willing to take over or rehabilitate the building due to the high risks and complications involved. On a brighter note, Mohd Jafni said 15 problematic housing projects have been revived, involving 3,265 housing units with a total value exceeding RM752mil as of June. All the housing projects have been granted with Certificate of Completion and Compliance or Certificate of Fitness for Occupation. In SEREMBAN, state transportation, housing and local government committee chairman J. Arul Kumar said 57 sites have been classified as brownfield areas in Negri Sembilan. These included projects which were not completed or abandoned with previous occupiers having moved out. He said Seremban topped the list with 22, followed by Rembau (nine), Port Dickson (eight), Jempol (seven), Kuala Pilah (six), Tampin (three) and Jelebu (two). 'Together with PLANMalaysia, we have come up with an action plan to see how best we can rehabilitate these sites, many of which have become an eye sore,' he added. Arul said the authorities had problems rehabilitating certain abandoned projects as the owners were not cooperative. Citing an example, he said owners would pay the quit rent on an abandoned project as failure to do so can lead to the state seizing the property. However, they defaulted on assessment payments for years as there was no provision in state laws allowing seizure of properties under such circumstances, he added. The exco member said once the proposed Urban Renewal Act was approved and enforced, a simple majority of owners could approve the redevelopment of an abandoned project. He said abandoned projects on government-owned land such as in Gemas and Kuala Pilah were easier to resolve for redevelopment. Arul said a building in Seremban city centre was being redeveloped to feature a hotel with over 170 rooms and suites, with its opening set for the year-end. In KLANG, the stalled 28-storey Boss Service Suites is not only an eyesore but also poses a danger to those living nearby. Resident Norliza Ismail said the building looked as if it could collapse and come crashing down on houses in the Padang Jawa neighbourhood that lies behind the massive structure. 'The design itself is creepy as it is a bottleneck structure with a wide top. 'I think a small tremor could bring it crashing down,' said Norliza who lives in the area. She said the local authority must cordon off the building to prevent anyone going near it. 'The developer that built the structure must take responsibility and get another company to complete the construction or tear it down,' she said. Restaurant manager D. Siva also said the presence of the building at the entrance to Klang city is an eyesore. 'For me, it is like a big hex hanging over Klang. 'Amidst all the beautification and landscaping initiatives, this white elephant is casting a dark shadow over the city.' Siva urged the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) to do something to shield those going in and out of Klang from the structure. 'MBDK should either order that the abandoned building be demolished or get the developer to sell it off,' he said.
The Star
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Urban renewal models should include owner-led pathways
Moving away from a developer-led approach in the Urban Renewal Act (URA) framework Public participation is critical to ensure fair and equitable urban renewal outcomes. Since 2024, Kuala Lumpur Residents Action For Sustainable Development Association (KLRA+SD) has actively engaged both PLANMalaysia and DBKL on the need to build a framework for community involvement and an owner-initiated urban renewal pathway. Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters. RM12.33/month RM8.63/month Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters. Free Trial For new subscribers only
