Sultan Sharafuddin (third from left) looking at a scale model of the new PKNS headquarters with (from left) Noraida, Tengku Amir, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, Shamsidar and Azmin.

SHAH Alam now has a new landmark with the unveiling of the new Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) headquarters in Section 14.

The opening of the building was officiated by Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

Also present were Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin Abdul Rahman, Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and his wife Datin Seri Shamsidar Taharin and PKNS chief executive officer Noraida Mohd Yusof.

Sultan Sharafuddin expressed hope that PKNS would continue to keep true to the visions and objectives set by former Selangor Mentri Besar the late Datuk Seri Harun Idris.

“When he established PKNS in August 1964, Harun saw to it that many lower-income Malay households could secure a safe and good home.

“PKNS built low-cost homes for those in need, helped to resolve land ownership problems and managed loans at reasonable instalment. I believe their purpose now will be the same as before,” he said.

The Sultan also hopes this will continue in the future to ensure Selangor residents get to live in comfort and have a home they can call their own.

As the pulse of development for the state of Selangor, Azmin said the success of PKNS started with a pragmatic vision that was initiated by the late Harun.

“Under his leadership, PKNS has led efforts to urbanise the Malay community through various economic development activities, including the opening of new townships,” Azmin said.

So far, he said, PKNS has paved the way for 11 new townships and built numerous units of homes to meet housing demands especially for families in low- to middle-income segments.

In continuing with its objectives, Azmin said the state government aspires to see PKNS on par with private developers in terms of quality, design, development concept and affordable prices.

Meanwhile, he said the PKNS headquarters fulfils the Green Building Index (GBI) criteria in line with the Smart Selangor blueprint, to become a new Shah Alam icon.

Measuring about 1.86ha, the new environmentally-friendly PKNS building is designed with a modern concept and comes complete with high-tech infrastructure as well as an ideal rooftop landscape that gives a view of the Shah Alam skyline.

It has four building blocks that comprises an auditorium, business centre, multi-purpose hall, gym, library, cafeteria and a childcare centre.

It is also equipped with high-speed Internet as well as aesthetic and safety features that are in line with environmental conservation efforts.

The “smart office” has received multiple awards, including the Best Office Development Malaysia in the Asia Pacific Property Awards Development 2013/2014 and Best GBI Rated Corporate Office in the Prestigious Developer’s Award 2017.

Recognised with the Platinum Design Assessment from the GBI accreditation panel, it was accorded the Gold Award in the “commercial low rise” category from the Architects Association of Malaysia.

The launch of PKNS’ new headquarters coincided with the 53rd anniversary of its establishment.