Latest news with #DBKL
The Star
16 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
DBKL mulls patching potholes with plastic waste
Maimunah (third from left) looking on as Wan Mohd Fauzi shows a disabled parking bay that has been resurfaced with glass waste. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star KUALA Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is considering using recovered plastics to fix potholes in the capital in a bid to cut costs. Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif said DBKL had carried out pilot tests in industrial areas to evaluate the material's durability. 'Compared to the commonly used material, namely bitumen, plastic is cheaper and more durable. 'We will implement this approach at facilities maintained by DBKL, such as playgrounds and bicycle lanes.' She said this after visiting Taman Tasik Titiwangsa to inspect several upgrading projects using recovered materials. Among these were parking bays which had been resurfaced using crushed glass. This was a project undertaken by a local start-up. The mayor said these projects were part of City Hall's push towards green initiatives and sustainability. 'This is in line with our vision to make Kuala Lumpur a zero-waste city. 'We are not just planting trees, we are making active efforts towards sustainability,' she said. City Hall was hoping to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, she said. Maimunah said DBKL spent RM260mil a year on managing waste, with 40% of that for collection costs. 'This is a huge cost which can otherwise go towards upgrading markets and playgrounds.' Maimunah then elaborated on plans to designate some areas in Kuala Lumpur as zero-waste zones. On May 15, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa announced that busy spots in the capital would be earmarked for this purpose as part of a larger effort to reduce waste and make the capital more environmentally friendly. Maimunah said DBKL was working to identify local communities in Kuala Lumpur's 11 parliamentary constituencies for the initiative. 'We plan on collaborating with those who are actively working on recycling initiatives. 'We prefer to work with those who are willing participants, to ensure optimal results,' she said. Also present at the event were Ecocycle Dynamic Solutions Sdn Bhd director Datuk Seri Wan Mohd Fauzi Wan Kamaruddin and Renergy Bumi Hijau Sdn Bhd business development director Sumeshini Subramaniam.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Empowering women key to driving ASEAN's sheconomy
KUALA LUMPUR: A whole-of-society approach is needed to empower women across all sectors, including governance, urban planning and the digital economy to unlock the full potential of the 'sheconomy' and drive inclusive, sustainable development in ASEAN, said Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif. She said women must not only be included in decision-making spaces but also be recognised as key architects of change especially in city-level transformation where daily life is most affected. 'The 'sheconomy' is not a parallel economy. It is a reimagining of our whole economy, powered by inclusion and inclusion is not charity; it is good policy,' she said. She said during the plenary session titled 'ASEAN Women Leading Social Change: Integrating Social Goals with Economic Growth in the 'Sheconomy', at the Women Economic Forum (WEF) ASEAN 2025 here today. Maimunah who is also a former executive director of UN-Habitat, stressed the importance of embedding gender equity into the fabric of urban governance, budgeting and service delivery. She noted that this aligns with the ASEAN Gender Mainstreaming Strategic Framework 2021-2025 and Kuala Lumpur is localising the framework to the governance tool by ensuring housing, transport and public health policies serve women. Maimunah also shared initiatives by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) through the Safe City Programme which includes the installation of 10,000 CCTVs and improved street lighting. 'These efforts are not just about safety, but about dignity and inclusion. We are creating safer zones, better transit and walkable neighbourhoods centred on women's mobility. In 2024, crime dropped by 15 per cent in the upgraded areas and women reported feeling safer,' she said. Despite progress, she pointed only 10 per cent of local councils in Malaysia are led by women, calling the need to localise gender mainstreaming efforts at all levels of government. Maimunah added that the private sector plays a crucial role in unlocking the potential of the 'sheconomy' by elevating women into leadership positions, fostering inclusive innovation, and building supportive workplace cultures. 'Gender-smart investing, mentorship programmes and targeted support for women-led start-ups, particularly in the green and digital sectors, are how we activate 'sheconomy'. 'Academia plays its part too by producing gender-inhibited data, training women in STEM and governance, and documenting what works. Communities must be empowered. Women entrepreneurs, mothers, and youth must be recognised, not just as participants, but as planners and leaders,' she said. Maimunah, the first female mayor of Kuala Lumpur said since joining DBKL in August last year, significant strides had been made in closing the leadership gap. Currently, women make up 29.3 per cent of total DBKL staff, 43.6 per cent of professionals, 44 per cent of department heads and 40 per cent of top management, surpassing the 30 per cent benchmark. Earlier at the WEF ASEAN 2025, Maimunah was conferred the 'Women of the Decade' award alongside Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad. Themed Women Leaders Beyond Borders: Shaping the Future of the ASEAN Sheconomy, the three-day forum starting today, celebrates women's transformative role in driving global economic growth. The WEF ASEAN 2025 which brings together influential women leaders from across the region and beyond, offers participants the opportunity to engage in impactful discussions, forge powerful networks, and explore new pathways for women to shape the future of the global economy.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
12 premises raided in Jalan Silang during Op Gempur crackdown
KUALA LUMPUR: Twelve retail outlets and restaurants around Jalan Silang were raided last night in Op Gempur, conducted by the Kuala Lumpur branch of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN). The joint operation, held under the KL Strike Force initiative, began at 9pm and involved the Immigration Department and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). Kuala Lumpur KPDN director Mohd Sabri Seman said inspections were carried out following intelligence and public complaints regarding various offences, including the absence of price tags and the sale of controlled goods without valid licences. "A total of 10 cases were recorded — three related to pricing offences and five involving the use of unverified weighing and measuring equipment. Compound fines amounting to RM6,000 were issued to the traders. "Two additional cases are being investigated under the Trademarks Act 2019 for the sale of counterfeit goods, after 125 fake luxury watches, valued at about RM6,500, were seized," he said at a press conference following the operation. Mohd Sabri said preliminary investigations indicated that the premises selling counterfeit watches had likely been operating for over a year. The outlets were reportedly rented by foreigners, with the majority of their customers also being foreigners. During the same operation, the Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department detained 24 foreign men who failed to produce valid identification documents. They are being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63. "The detainees include 10 Bangladeshi nationals, eight Nepalese, two each from Pakistan and Myanmar, and one each from Indonesia and Sri Lanka," he said. Meanwhile, DBKL issued 17 compound notices and one premises closure notice for offences under the Local Government Act 1976. Mohd Sabri added that monitoring and enforcement operations would continue to ensure the welfare and safety of Kuala Lumpur residents.
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
‘Choose more appropriate locations to pick up workers'
Johor government is looking into ways to address the issue of people working in Singapore hogging parking bays in Johor Baru. State housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said he had been receiving an increasing number of complaints about the problem, particularly from business owners. 'This issue was also raised during the recent state assembly sitting, and it seems to have gotten worse over time. 'We need to study this matter thoroughly before implementing any measures, so that we can come up with a win-win solution for all. 'No doubt this is an issue that needs to be addressed, but at the same time, we do not want to make an abrupt decision that can negatively affect people's lives,' he told StarMetro. Mohd Jafni said one of the options the state government was considering was to emulate Kuala Lumpur City Hall's (DBKL) move to impose a time limit. 'That is one of the things we are looking into, but we need to examine the situation carefully. 'We will have to look into this as it will only get worse with more vehicles entering Johor and more Johoreans owning cars,' he said. He added that areas affected by the issue included Taman Universiti, Larkin and Taman Ungku Tun Aminah. Mohd Jafni urged those working in Singapore to be more considerate and not hog parking bays. 'It is unfair for businesses that are losing customers because of this problem, and I appeal to those involved to be more thoughtful. 'They could just pay a little extra to park at the many available parking areas throughout the city. 'They are affecting other people's livelihoods simply because they refuse to pay for parking. 'If we take action, including imposing a two-hour parking limit, they may end up paying even more in the long run,' Mohd Jafni noted. He said companies picking up Malaysian workers heading to Singapore should also take this into consideration and choose more appropriate pick-up points. 'They can arrange to pick up passengers at areas where workers can park without adversely affecting others or occupying parking meant for businesses or residents. 'These are simple steps that could make a significant difference, and I hope that they take this into account,' he added. — By VENESA DEVI
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Why ‘Turun Anwar'? — Hafiz Hassan
JUNE 17 — At the Minister's Question Time on February 25, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told the Dewan Rakyat that urban renewal is not a new initiative under the government, as efforts had been in place since 2012 with the formulation of the Urban Renewal Guidelines. Anwar highlighted that initial discussions to draft a specific urban renewal act began in 2013, focusing on revitalising development in Kuala Lumpur. The drafting process was later announced in 2015. In 2020, former Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa spearheaded the Urban Renewal Programme under Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), targeting flats over 40 years old. Further steps were taken in 2021 when then Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin initiated the drafting of the Urban Renewal Bill (URB). The effort continued under her successor, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, who reaffirmed the same principles in March 2022. Former Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, in September 2022, stated that DBKL had identified 30 areas for renewal. Since 2012, 74 engagement sessions have been held, and we have taken into account the problems faced by the people. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming inspects the dilapidated condition of flats during the Urban Renewal Expedition (XPDC PSB) with MPs at the Kuchai Jaya Flats in Kuala Lumpur recently. — Bernama pic Having mentioned Zuraida, let's read what AI Overview says about the former minister: 'Zuraida was a key figure in advocating for urban redevelopment policies, particularly the redevelopment of public housing. She proposed a policy to redevelop public housing that was 30 years or older to make way for new homes, aiming to provide larger living spaces with better facilities for residents, especially those in the B40 community. 'Zuraida's vision included the demolition of old public housing blocks (like those in the People's Housing Project or PPR) and their replacement with new structures offering more space and amenities. She highlighted the high costs associated with maintaining aging public housing and the potential benefits of redevelopment for residents. 'Her ministry also played a role in drafting the Urban Renewal Bill, which aimed to provide a legal framework for urban redevelopment in Malaysia, focusing on revitalizing aging urban areas and improving access to affordable housing.' On the international front, Zuraida was one of the speakers at the 2nd international Implementing the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Congress in November 2018, which brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, academia and the business community to explore the theme Affordable Living in Sustainable Cities: Achieving the SDGs and the New Urban Agenda She was also a speaker at the virtual Urban Economic Forum 2021 in which Housing and Urban Recovery is one of the key themes. So, it beats me. Why is Anwar being vilified for urban renewal? Why has PAS Youth's planned protest against the Urban Renewal Act (URA) turned into one calling for the prime minister's resignation ('Turun Anwar')?
