Bringing 'Life' Into Putrajaya

By Essan Yahya PUTRAJAYA, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Putrajaya is Malaysia’s federal administrative capital, with many ultra-modern structures exhibiting traditional features. However life in this bustling city is limited during the day. It revolves around the offices of government departments and agencies. As the night approaches, life comes to a standstill, a situation faced by many residents of Putrajaya. The irony is that Putrajaya offers more than just being the nucleus of the nation's administration. Blessed with lush gardens, beautiful lakes and majestic bridges, it is a city that is rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty. DESTINATION President of the Putrajaya Corporation (PPj) Aseh Che Mat said that PPj has organised the ‘Alami 1Putrajaya’ (AL1P) programme to increase the public’s awareness on the significance of Putrajaya. This programme targets Malaysians who do not reside in Putrajaya. He said the first AL1P segment was held last October, and it was attended by residents from Lembah Pantai. The Nadi Putra bus service will ferry visitors from Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya over the weekends, while PPj will collaborate with Putrajaya Holdings for greater commercial development. PROGRAMMES PPj has come up with several programmes for next year, such as the angling competition to promote Lake Putrajaya, Youth Day, Merdeka Day, Agong's Birthday, as well as the competition for the Putrajaya Holding's President's Cup and the CEO's Trophy. Aseh said that PPj will also organise a carnival in conjunction with the Federal Territory Day, including the 'WOW! PUTRAJAYA' carnival in February 2013. The Youth Day celebrations will be held in May, and the Floral Festival will be held in June. In order to bring life into Putrajaya, souvenirs, food and beverages will be distributed, and information kiosks will be set up in Dataran (Square) Putra and Persiaran Perdana. "Lake Putrajaya will be decorated with coloured lighting to bring life into the city. Apart from the lake, bridges and buildings will be decorated too. "We are collaborating with the government, private agencies as well as NGOs to organise activities at night such as the Putrajaya Night Marathon, the 12-hour Walk Championship and the Triathlon," Aseh said. VISITORS Aseh said that in 2011, 4.7 million visitors arrived in Putrajaya, as compared to 2.8 million tourists in 2010. PPj is involved in many international conferences with regard to town planning, conservation of the environment and community wellbeing. Putrajaya has also made it to the final list for 'The International Awards For Liveable Communities 2012', which will be held at the end of November this year, at the Al-Ain City in the United Arab Emirates. -- BERNAMA