Johor
Community Projects
Making a difference in Johor
Change – big or small – starts with the communities around us. Join me in this journey.
“Hi, Si Tapir!” Reading Project
A community-driven reading program with an interactive model to instill curiosity and excitement towards books, and form a lifelong habit of reading.
Projek Gerisek
A whole-of-community rejuvenation project at a small village by the Muar River.
Pasar Jelutong Kluang
Transforming a small wet market into a hip and trendy hub, driving the local economy.
“Hi, Si Tapir!” Reading Project
A community-driven reading program with an interactive model to instill curiosity and excitement towards books, and form a lifelong habit of reading.
The idea came about after we observed that many children from semi-urban and rural areas in Malaysia do not have equal access to high quality reading materials compared to their urban counterparts.
This program was developed to encourage children outside of the urban setting to discover the joy of reading and to inculcate reading habits in them from a young age.
We placed covered bookshelves in the shape of ‘Tapir’ in areas where there are limited access to reading materials.
We want the children to know that knowledge is precious - just like the tapir - and it needs to be nurtured.
The program’s unique human touch and wow-factor has proven to be a hit with the target demographic who were previously not inclined to visit libraries. We want the children to know that knowledge is precious – just like the tapir – and it needs to be nurtured.
The Tapir Project hopes to raise curious children who read to seek knowledge, instead of googling for homework answers. Our program provides a safe and fun environment for children to learn by reading, breaking down barriers to access and providing tools for self-learning.
We aim to increase accessibility of young children in semi-urban areas to high quality reading materials. In the long term, we hope to enhance social mobility by equipping the next generation to break out of the cycle of poverty and blue collar jobs.
Projek Gerisik
A whole-of-community rejuvenation project at a small village by the Muar River.
This is the meaning of placemaking, where people are inspired to collectively reimagine public spaces as the heart of their community.
The rejuvenation of Grisek is a project I take pride in. Started by only a small group of locals led by my team back in 2018, this ‘trailblazing’ effort snowballed into a whole-of-community project, creating meaningful memories and impact for many who live in this small village by the Muar River.
This is the meaning of placemaking, where people are inspired to collectively reimagine public spaces as the heart of their community which will then enhance the cultural identity, community bonding, inclusiveness and commercial activities of the area.
Pasar Jelutong Kluang
Transforming a small wet market into a hip and trendy hub, driving the local economy.
When communities come together to revive unused public spaces, it brings out the best of small towns, and the true Malaysian spirit.
The Pasar Jelutong in Kluang, or more fondly known as Pasar Yap Tau Sah among Kluang locals, used to be an illegal wet market.
During the Pakatan Harapan administration, it was transformed and legalised. Besides operating as a wet market, it also became a hub for flea market stalls to stimulate the local economy.
This community project was initiated by several elected reps, councillors, vendors and many local volunteers. My office also supported the project.
When communities come together to revive unused public spaces, it brings out the best of small towns, and the true Malaysian spirit.
Together, we can make Malaysia beautiful again.
Join Us
Let’s build the next wave together
To all Malaysians who created the GE14 miracle, keep fighting. We will be back stronger.