PUTRAJAYA: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today decreed that Kampung Baru, an icon of Kuala Lumpur, will be redeveloped with the rights and interests of Malay residents in mind.
In his royal address during an investiture ceremony at Istana Melawati here, held in conjunction with Federal Territory Day celebrations, His Majesty said that the government is currently working to redevelop Kampung Baru through a carefully drafted development plan.
His Majesty said that he was informed that the redevelopment of the oldest Malay settlement in the nation’s capital is being conducted to empower the Malay residents there.
“Through this redevelopment effort, land titles will remain in the hands of the Malays. The architectural heritage and culture will continue and be strengthened,” the Agong said.
Al-Sultan Abdullah also expressed satisfaction over the government’s initiatives in developing the federal territory as a whole.
His Majesty lauded the Federal Territories Ministry’s programmes aimed at safeguarding the people’ welfare, reducing the cost of living, and improving the standard of living in the city.
Among initiatives seen to have a direct impact on KL-ites are the Go-KL free city bus service; home ownership for the underprivileged; and rental property at affordable rates for single individuals from the B40 group.
“We hope the initiatives and programmes implemented by the government will be enjoyed by all in the federal territory, regardless of race or religion,” the Agong added.
Al-Sultan Abdullah also said that sports development should not be overlooked as it is a platform which can be used to bring together people of all races and religions, while enabling them to enjoy healthy lives.
“I hope that sports programmes in the federal territory will continue to be strengthened and that more athletes from the federal territory can be produced to raise the name of the country at the international level,” he said.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad were present at today’s investiture ceremony, during which 188 individuals were conferred awards and medals. – BERNAMA