By Sofia Nasir
SHAH ALAM, Oct 23 — The state government is ready to collaborate with all parties in developing sustainable neighbourhoods, especially in advancing low-income communities.
State executive councillor for housing Borhan Aman Shah said the focus includes upgrading urban agricultural elements like community gardens to more modern ones for income generation, thereby covering the apartment maintenance costs.
“We want to create sustainable and strong communities so that people are safe, respected, and have access to essential services,” he said during the inauguration of the Urban Well-Being Symposium today.
Organised by the Selangor Housing and Property Board (LPHS), it was held at the Midlands Convention Centre. Also in attendance was LPHS executive director Datuk Juhari Ahmad.
Borhan added the state government is also ramping up to provide comfortable and high-quality housing to the people, especially via the Selangorku Housing initiative.
Selangor considers housing to be not only a matter of shelter but also of fulfilling a family’s dreams and future.
“I welcome information sharing and cooperation from the public and private sectors, as well as all groups in the effort to shape a better housing future,” he said.
On the symposium itself, Borhan said it demonstrates the state government’s awareness and concern for the community’s needs and promotes green initiatives.
“It is crucial to realise that community empowerment does not only focus on economic growth alone. It also encompasses environmental conservation, reducing social inequality, and improving the community’s quality of life,” he said in his speech.
The symposium, co-organised with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), is themed “Empowering Communities Towards Urban Sustainability and Sustainable Selangor.” (Pemerkasaan Komuniti Ke Arah Kelestarian Bandar dan Selangor Mampan).
It featured discussions and paper presentations by local and international panellists, including UKM’s Institute of Malay World and Civilization senior lecturer Associate Prof Nor Zalina Harun and Thailand’s Community Organisation Development Institute former director Thipparat Noppadarom.
The symposium was attended by over 100 representatives from various agencies, including local authorities, community leaders, and industry players.
