KUALA LUMPUR: THINK City, a community based urban environment rejuvenation organisation, is inviting city residents in the federal capital and Butterworth in Penang to contribute ideas to boost city living through its Think City Grants programme.
The programme, aimed at individuals, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private property owners, will award grants to develop catalytic urban restoration projects, which affect the built environment, economy and improve quality of life.
The programme is funded by Khazanah Nasional’s foundation Yayasan Hasanah.
Think City chief executive officer Hamdan Abdul Majeed said the grant, worth RM30 million, would be disbursed over three years.
“The programme focuses on different city environments, Kuala Lumpur and Butterworth. We will also continue our efforts in historic George Town.
“In Kuala Lumpur, the area we have selected is within a 1km radius of Masjid Jamek.
“We chose to begin there as it covers some of the oldest parts of the city such as the Masjid Jamek Mosque, which was constructed in 1909, as well as private residences and buildings designed during colonial times.
“It is important that these places be recognised as enhancing the city’s urban identity and should be restored.
“Other examples of uses for the grant include creating events such as greening spaces or establishing community gardens or community learning centres,” he said during a press conference at Khazanah Nasional Berhad office, here, yesterday.
Modelled after the success of Think City’s maiden project in 2009, the George Town Grants Programme (GTGP) was a success with approximately RM17.5 million disbursed to implement more than 240 projects in the last four years.
“For George Town, we are in the process of completing the GTGP and impact study.
“Further grant applications will start in the first quarter of next year and for Butterworth, the urban regeneration efforts will start at the Old Town and will support ongoing efforts to boost the city.
“From our experience in Penang from 2009 to 2012, we discovered that Malaysians want to be active in improving their urban environment but felt there was no platform to do so.
“With the programme, they can make a difference,” Hamdan said.
Individuals, NGOs, schools, community councils, private property owners and companies may apply for grants of between RM10,000 and RM100,000 through the Think City website at thinkcity.com.my/tcgrants.
He said the grants covered several urban regeneration projects dealing with issues of mobility, greening, waste management, drainage and public markets.
“We hope to build strong relationships between the public, private and government sectors.
“We plan to forge strong partnerships with city administrators and are working closely with City Hall and the Seberang Perai Municipal Council in Butterworth,” Hamdan said.
Also present was Think City chief operations officer Neil Khor Jin Keong. Applicants must be above 18, meet all criteria, terms and conditions. The closing date for applications is Jan 31.