The Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry will table the Kampung Bharu Development Corporation Bill for the second and third reading in Parliament this year, its minister Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said.

He said that after the bill had been approved, the corporation would serve as the governing body to develop, coordinate and regulate development in Kampung Baru.

"It is in line with the government's aspiration, and that of the land owners, as well as the beneficiaries, to see the strategic and historical Malay settlement area be developed in tandem with its location in the centre of Kuala Lumpur," he added.

He said this in his loyalty speech at the investiture ceremony in conjunction with Federal Territories Day at Istana Melawati in Putrajaya today.

The Kampung Baru area is a 110 year-old territory comprising seven villages, covering 90.2 hectares and with about 35,000 residents.

Raja Nong Chik said the bill was tabled for the first reading at the last Parliament session.

At today's investiture ceremony, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin conferred awards and medals on 256 recipients.

Also present was Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin also attended the function.

- Bernama