KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 6 (Bernama) -- The government has directed UDA Holdings Bhd (UDA), to redraw the masterplan for the redevelopment of the former Pudu Jail site here, to enable the participation of more Bumiputeras in the real estate sector in Malaysia. Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin said:

" There is an evident need for a committee to review the development masterplan, taking into consideration, how we can assist and make the participation of Bumiputeras in the project more visible, wile ensuring its success." Awang Adek was speaking after officiating the launch of UDA's "40 years" personalised corporate stamp launch and the opening of Hotel Ancasa Express @ Pudu, here today. He also said the move was in line with UDA's objective of assisting Bumiputeras to progress. "We have to understand that UDA has the aim of assisting the economy of Bumiputeras.

So, whatever the future and role of Bumiputeras in the real estate to be played by UDA, it is what the government wants to emphasise. "That is why there needs to be planning to ensure that the development is successfully undertaken and becomes a source of pride for not just UDA, but also the Bumiputera community. "For this reason, the participation of Bumiputeras in the project is needed," he added. UDA chairman Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said the government had directed that under the new masterplan being drawn, the project is to be developed over three plots.

"Two of the plots will be developed by Bumiputeras developers and the other by UDA itself. "UDA will be the main developer for the project and for the two plots, the Bumiputera developers will be sourced through open tenders and they need to be financially capable," he added. He also said the Pudu Jail is expected to be developed as a "transport hub" on the site of about 8.09 hectares (20 acres).

 Meanwhile, the launch of the corporate stamp by UDA is aimed at celebrating the 40th anniversary by highlighting its iconic projects such as BB Plaza, Pudu Sentral and Sinaran TTDI. A total of 20,000 stamps valued at 30 cents each and with eight different designs will be produced and used in correspondence by the company as well as sold to the general public.-BERNAMA