KUALA LUMPUR: The Housing and Local Government MInistry launched its fifth Community Hub at the People's Housing Programme (PPR) Batu Muda in Sentul here today.

The Community Hub project, which is a Madani initiative led by Urbanice Malaysia, focuses on empowering the bottom 40 per cent community living at high-density locations such as Batu Muda.

The Community Hub was the fifth of its kind and was officiated by the ministry's secretary-general, Datuk Wira M Noor Azman Taib on behalf of minister Nga Kor Ming.

Four Community Hubs had been launched in Kepong in Kuala Lumpur, Ampang in Selangor, Durian Tunggal in Melaka and Buntong in Ipoh.

The four hubs have benefited nearly 20,000 residents through its various welfare programmes.

Noor Azman said the Community Hubs were spaces to connect residents in the same neighbourhood, fostering activities that promote a healthy lifestyle and alleviate urban pressures.

"These initiatives aim to empower urban communities towards achieving a prosperous, happy and equitable society, in line with the Civilized Malaysia and Sustainable Urban Agenda 2030."

Noor Azman said one of the notable elements of the Community Hub was the Community Garden Kitchen, which aims to turn harvested crops into dishes that generate income for residents, serving as a short-term intervention to lower cost of living and empower small-scale entrepreneurs.

"The Community Garden City, a brainchild of the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, uses cost-effective permaculture planting methods and modern fertigation techniques to enhance crop yield and diversity.

"The Housing and Local Government Ministry, through Urbanice Malaysia, has collaborated strategically with Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the main sponsor, Hasanah Foundation, for the Community Hub project and embarked on various training programmes, such as the black fly composting course, youth leadership training and the low-income community entrepreneurship programme, to add value to community empowerment within these locations," he said.

The newly launched Community Hub at PPR Batu Muda is said to accommodate 10,500 residents.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/1040438/housing-ministry-launches-fifth-community-hub