KUALA LUMPUR (July 3): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday urged developers, architects, planners and policymakers to ensure that development projects are infused with culturally vibrant values.

Speaking at the launch of the Asean-China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction and Housing (ACMROCH) and the 23rd International Architecture, Interior Design & Building Exhibition 2024 (Archidex) here, Anwar emphasised the importance of considering Malaysia's diverse cultural heritage during the planning and construction phases of development projects.

He highlighted that the country's rich cultural values, derived from various communities such as the Malay, Chinese, Indian, Dayak, Kadazan and Murut, should be integral to the development process.

“It would be a shame if we do not incorporate these cultural features in our planning, crafting or building,” Anwar stated.

The prime minister stressed the need for development projects to be not only culturally vibrant but also modern, technologically advanced and environmentally friendly.

“They must address the needs of all sectors to avoid creating a dichotomy where one area serves the very rich while another serves the poor,” he said.

Meanwhile, Anwar said the challenges of maintaining a competitive edge in the construction and housing industries encompass various complex factors including technological innovation, cost efficiency, availability of skilled labour, regulatory compliance and fluctuations in market demand.

The government also encourages public-private partnerships by promoting collaborations between the government and the private sector to jointly develop infrastructure and housing projects, he said.

He added these partnerships can leverage the strengths and resources of both sectors to deliver high-quality developments.

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