Nga Kor Ming hosts Singapore’s Chee Hong Tat for talks on urban planning, housing, sustainability
KUALA LUMPUR: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming welcomed Singapore’s Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat to the capital on Tuesday over bowls of the nation’s iconic pork rib soup.
The gesture exemplified what Nga described as “culinary diplomacy,” utilising Malaysia’s Bak Kut Teh to strengthen bilateral ties between the neighboring nations.
The ministers engaged in comprehensive discussions spanning urban planning, urban renewal, waste management, affordable housing solutions, and sustainable development initiatives.
Nga highlighted that both countries face similar challenges in metropolitan governance—particularly concerning land constraints and high population density in major urban centers.
He emphasised that balancing environmental preservation, economic development, and livability remains a mutual priority for both Malaysia and Singapore.
The dialogue explored opportunities to deepen collaboration between professional bodies and local authorities through civil service training programs and smart city development initiatives.
Adding cultural significance to the meeting, Nga noted that Bak Kut Teh received official recognition in February 2024 as part of Malaysia’s National Food Heritage under the National Heritage Act 2005.
The herbal pork dish, which Malaysians believe originated in Port Klang or Klang, traces its roots to the Hokkien community in the early 19th century, where it served as a nourishing tonic for labourers and coolies.
This bilateral engagement represents the third meeting between Nga and Chee since May 2025, underscoring the close cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore on housing policy and urban governance matters.
The continued dialogue reinforces the enduring friendship between the two Southeast Asian neighbors as they navigate shared challenges in metropolitan development and housing accessibility.
