PUTRAJAYA — Newly-appointed Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Malay traditional villages within Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan, stating that these communities remain essential to Malaysia’s cultural identity and urban narrative.
Addressing the media after clocking in for her first day at the ministry, Hannah reassured Malays that traditional settlements such as Kampung Baru will not be sidelined in the country’s development agenda. Instead, they will be preserved as living heritage centres that document the evolution of Malay society within modern city environments.
Hannah said her past experience as Member of Parliament for Segambut demonstrated her consistent stance in defending traditional Malay villages. Her work with Kampung Sungai Penchala, she noted, is proof that she values heritage preservation alongside urban development.
“Commercial buildings can be developed anywhere, but traditional villages cannot be replaced. They are unique, fragile and deeply meaningful to the communities living there. We must ensure they remain part of our city landscape,” she said.
However, Hannah stressed that while the desire to protect heritage is strong, all actions must follow legal procedures. She said she would first receive detailed briefings from government lawyers and agencies before making any commitment regarding Kampung Baru, which has long been at the centre of redevelopment debate.
The minister also acknowledged that Kampung Baru’s future has repeatedly surfaced in Parliament and public discussions, making it a sensitive national matter. To ensure decisions are fair and well-informed, she has already initiated engagements with stakeholders, including Titiwangsa MP Datuk Seri Johari Ghani.
Beyond heritage preservation, Hannah emphasized that the Federal Territories must remain safe, livable and resilient. She said development should never compromise public safety, highlighting past incidents of flash floods and landslides as warnings.
“I am not anti-development, but I strongly oppose irresponsible development. Risk factors such as extreme weather, flood vulnerability and environmental impact must always be taken into account,” she said.
She also promised a stronger focus on improving essential municipal services, arguing that assessment tax must translate into meaningful benefits for residents. Cleanliness, drainage, road maintenance, security and public amenities will therefore become primary focus areas.
Recognizing the importance of democratic inclusion, Hannah stressed that local MPs must be consulted before any development approval is granted, as they are closest to the people and understand local concerns.
On the topic of local council elections, she reiterated that the matter cannot be decided unilaterally, as Malaysia operates under a unity government model where decisions must be jointly agreed by all component parties.
Ultimately, Hannah’s message was clear: Malaysia’s journey toward modern urban development cannot come at the cost of cultural erasure. Malay traditional villages represent not only homes but history, heritage and emotional connection to the past. With her pledge, the future of Kampung Baru and other traditional Malay settlements may now rest on firmer, more sensitive policy ground — blending heritage protection with responsible modernization.