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MELAKA: The Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) has proposed for an 'uptown' business method to be established on the vehicle path outside the Medan Samudera building, to help food and handicraft traders in the building conduct their business during the 54-hour vehicle-free zone road closure. MBMB mayor, Datuk Shadan Othman, said that the move is seen as more relevant, and makes it easier for traders to promote and introduce their products directly to tourists or visitors walking along the route. "MBMB cannot implement this proposal alone, but instead requires the cooperation of all traders in Medan Samudera... we hope that representatives from traders can discuss with MBMB regarding its implementation. "We have implemented this method around the Red Building (Stadthuys), and we can see its effectiveness where the traders involved can also enjoy the economic spillover of the vehicle-free zone road closure," he told reporters, after the Nusantara Drum Festival 2024 at Dataran MBMB here, last night. He said that the implementation of the 'uptown' will be carried out in an orderly manner, among which the use of uniform umbrellas as well as the cleanliness of the business site is a priority, so as not to spoil the scenery or pollute the tourist hotspot. He said that, based on the crowd monitoring system installed around Banda Hilir, the average attendance of visitors on foot in the area was 18,000 daily. Previously, the media reported that about 100 food and handicraft traders in Medan Samudera were still waiting for a response from the state government, regarding their proposal for the vehicle-free zone involving road closure to be shortened from 54 to 18 hours. The implementation of the vehicle-free zone was previously on Saturday every week, from 6 pm to 12 midnight. It has now been extended to 54 hours, from 6 pm every Friday to midnight Sunday. The traders hoped that the proposal to shorten the implementation period of the vehicle-free zone could be agreed upon, following claims that business operations in Medan Samudera have been affected since the extension. -Bernama

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06.01.25 12:15

by thesun.my

EXAL Group to redraw Malaysian real estate landscape with green housing and smar...

PETALING JAYA: EXAL Group is spearheading a transformative shift in Malaysia’s real estate landscape with its commitment to sustainable housing and smart city integration. Managing director Albert Ko said the group is actively contributing to the Kuching Smart City Master Plan through its flagship project, SOL Estate.“EXAL’s mission is to create living spaces that are not only environmentally responsible but also people-focused. “With SOL Estate, we’re taking a major step forward in shaping the future of housing in Malaysia, blending sustainability with innovation to support smarter urban living,” he told SunBiz.He said SOL Estate embodies EXAL’s commitment to sustainability through low-carbon construction methods, modular designs, and eco-friendly building materials. “These features reduce waste and energy consumption during construction while allowing for customisable living spaces that meet diverse family needs. Our modular housing approach not only minimises environmental impact but also allows us to deliver homes faster and more efficiently. This is particularly appealing to environmentally-conscious homeowners and investors.”Aligned with the Kuching Smart City Master Plan, Ko said, SOL Estate integrates sustainable urban planning with technology-driven solutions. “The project focuses on creating community-centric neighbourhoods with features like shared green spaces, renewable energy solutions and smart infrastructure for energy and water management.“Smart cities are about improving quality of life through sustainable practices and advanced technologies. With SOL Estate, we are not just building homes, we are creating intelligent ecosystems where people and nature coexist harmoniously,” he said.Ko added that EXAL leverages cutting-edge green technologies to enhance sustainability and efficiency in its developments. The SOL Estate features integrated renewable energy systems such as solar panels and energy-efficient building materials that reduce reliance on non-renewable resources. “Smart water management systems and rainwater harvesting technology are utilised to conserve water, while passive cooling designs reduce energy needs for air conditioning. Our use of green technology ensures that SOL Estate is not only eco-friendly but also offers long-term cost savings for residents. It is a practical demonstration of how modern technology can support sustainable urban living,” he said.On attracting sustainable investments, Ko said EXAL is tapping into the growing demand for environmental, social and governance-compliant and syariah-compliant investments in real estate. “Our innovative housing projects offer attractive opportunities for investors seeking both financial returns and long-term environmental impact. Investors today are increasingly focused on sustainability. Our developments align perfectly with these priorities, making EXAL an ideal partner for green investment opportunities,” he added.Looking ahead, Ko said EXAL plans to expand its green housing concept to other regions...