KUALA LUMPUR – Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today expressed appreciation for the commitment shown by the federal government to ensure the success of initiatives based on ensuring the well-being of the people in the Federal Territories.
His Majesty said he lauded the Federal Territories’ young entrepreneur development programme, for example, which had a positive impact in increasing the participation of youths in entrepreneurship post-Covid-19 pandemic.
“Apart from that, assistance given to the poor in 178 low-and medium-cost housing areas in Kuala Lumpur had also helped alleviate the cost of living for the urban poor,” he said at the investiture of Federal Territory Day awards, medals and honours at Istana Negara here today.
Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah was in attendance.
While congratulating Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, Al-Sultan Abdullah lauded the government’s commitment to making the territories prosperous and sustainable for people from all walks of life through its affordable housing agenda.
His Majesty said Residensi Prihatin Keluarga Malaysia and Residensi Wilayah Keluarga Malaysia were among initiatives that could help those from the B40 and M40 groups own comfortable and quality houses.
Al-Sultan Abdullah said efforts to provide quality and comprehensive infrastructure and to redevelop abandoned and obsolete city areas could make the territories fresher, livelier, and more liveable.
The king expressed hope that the development of the federal territories as world-class smart cities by 2030 could be realised.
His Majesty also hoped that the proposed construction of a bridge linking Labuan and the Sabah mainland would be a catalyst for rapid economic growth at the territories’ borders.
Al-Sultan Abdullah touched on the recent massive floods, which caused various problems to the people and had also affected the country’s economic recovery process.
He said the government should come up with a long-term solution to the flood woes and empower the disaster management mechanisms.
Al-Sultan Abdullah said Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley, as the country’s economic and financial centre, should have a proper contingency plan in facing floods.
Nevertheless, the king said that despite the flood disaster, he was deeply moved by the people’s solidarity during the disaster.
“Various quarters and so many individuals came forward to help. Indeed, it is a positive attitude like this that will set the benchmark of my people’s love and unity that goes beyond their social status, race, religions, and political beliefs,” he added. – Bernama, February 8, 2022
