MPHTJ ALLOCATED RM2 MILLION TO PREPARE DRAFT LOCAL PLAN NOW OPEN FOR PUBLIC FEEDBACK

MELAKA, Dec 19  (Bernama) -- A total of RM2 million has been allocated to the Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ) to prepare its draft local plan, aimed at ensuring the town’s development is guided in a more sustainable, liveable and competitive manner up to 2035.

State Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change and Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Rais Yasin said the allocation was provided by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) through the Department of Town and Country Planning (PLANMalaysia) under the Fifth Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan.

He said the strategic planning document will serve as the main reference for MPHTJ’s development over the next 10 to 15 years, promoting organised, balanced and people-centred urban growth.

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“The last draft local plan for MPHTJ was prepared 20 years ago, making this review crucial as it will replace the existing plan.

“It takes into account changes in the development landscape, population growth, infrastructure needs, environmental concerns and local economic potential, to ensure that future development decisions are more effective and well-coordinated,” he told reporters here last night.

He said this after launching a publicity and public participation programme to invite residents to submit proposals or objections to the draft MPHTJ Local Plan (RTPJ) 2035 (Replacement).

The event was also attended by PLANMalaysia Deputy Director General (Development) Saidin Lateh and MPHTJ  president Datuk Sapiah Haron.

Rais said the plan is open for public feedback until Dec 31.

He said the plan outlines six development thrusts, 33 strategies, 77 subject areas and 281 components covering natural resources, the local economy, urban liveability, and the availability of facilities and amenities, to ensure balanced and sustainable development in the MPHTJ area.

“More importantly, the draft also identifies 42 ‘quick-win’ projects that can be implemented in the short term to deliver immediate benefits to residents and create a strong initial impact on the planning and development landscape of MPHTJ,” he said.

In a separate development, Rais said the state government is planning to elevate MPHTJ to city status, although several conditions must first be met at the federal level, including a minimum population requirement of 500,000 residents within the local authority’s administrative area.

However, he noted that MPHTJ currently has an estimated population of about 200,000, out of Melaka’s total population of 1.05 million.

“Although MPHTJ has yet to meet the population requirement, its revenue collection is the second highest in the state after the Melaka Historic City Council. As such, we will request the federal government to consider relaxing the existing condition,” he said.

-- BERNAMA