Following the recent ease of interstate travel restrictions in Malaysia, the British High Commissioner, H.E. Charles Hay embarked on an official state visit to Melaka and Johor for engagements with the new state administration and local community. During the courtesy meetings with the new Chief Ministers of Melaka and Johor, both Ministers reaffirmed their support and commitment towards the Global Future Cities Prosperity Fund Programme in Malaysia.
On 3rd August, a courtesy meeting was held between the British High Commissioner and the new Chief Minister of Melaka, Datuk Sulaiman Mohd Ali. In the meeting, the British High Commissioner updated the Chief Minister about the Global Future Cities Prosperity Fund Programme and the projects in Melaka: (i) a green bus network and corridor plan, and (ii) a heritage area integrated mobility plan. The Chief Minister reassured the importance of the projects to support Melaka’s future developments and noted the shared aspiration for Melaka to improve its public transport system and mobility planning, as he believes that the traffic congestion in Melaka city centre will be a threat to the environment and to the tourism industry.
While in Melaka, the British High Commissioner also took the opportunity to meet community leaders from less-represented communities such as the Baba Nyonya, the Portuguese and the Chitty Communities. The communities expressed their support for the projects in Melaka and agreed to participate in upcoming stakeholder engagement sessions to provide further input.
On 6th August, the British High Commissioner also paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Minister of Johor, Datuk Ir Hasni Mohammad. The Chief Minister was briefed about the projects in Iskandar: (i) a Smart Integrated Mobility Management System (SIMMS), and (ii) support for evidence-based urban and transport planning, for which he expressed his support.
The courtesy visits highlighted the UK Government’s leadership in and commitment to sustainable and clean growth. In November 2021, the UK will be hosting the United Nations Climate Change Conference (CoP26). The Chief Ministers of Melaka and Johor both expressed their state’s commitment to adopting green and sustainable initiatives, in support of the CoP26 agenda.