KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) is not directly involved in the nomination process of Kampung Baru Cina as a World Heritage Site under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the initiative was a noble effort led by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Malaysia, a professional body actively involved in the preservation and protection of cultural heritage sites nationwide.
However, he said the government fully supports the initiative provided the nomination process is inclusive and involves all villages, including Kampung Melayu, Kampung Baru Cina and Kampung India.
“This is because recognition of any village as a UNESCO World Heritage Site would undoubtedly be a source of pride for all Malaysians,” he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Nga was responding to a question from Datuk Dr Alias Razak (PN–Kuala Nerus), who sought clarification on the nomination of Kampung Baru Cina as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as listed in the Order of Business dated Jan 27.
Commenting further, Nga said international recognition of the nation’s culture and history has the potential to enhance tourism appeal and stimulate local economic activities, particularly in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
In this regard, he said KPKT is prepared to act as a liaison between professional bodies and relevant local leaders to facilitate the process.
Meanwhile, Nga stressed that KPKT remains committed to safeguarding and strengthening the well-being of Malaysians of all races through government allocations.
As an example, he said the ministry has allocated RM15 million since last year for the development of Indian villages.
Under the fourth MADANI Budget approved by the government, Nga said KPKT will continue upgrading basic and social infrastructure in Kampung Baru Cina and Indian villages, involving a total allocation of RM87 million.
Among the high-impact initiatives implemented is the Kampung Good Competition, which aims to identify Kampung Baru products with strong potential for commercialisation, he added.
“This demonstrates KPKT’s continued commitment to ensuring balanced development across all communities, while serving as a platform for unity and helping to bridge socio-economic gaps among Malaysians,” he said.
Nga was responding to an original question from Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Abd Muttalib (PN–Maran), who wanted to know how the government assessed that the development allocation for Kampung Baru Cina truly contributed to strengthening national unity, rather than widening the gap between communities.
-- BERNAMA
