Affordable homes should not be just 'pigeonholes', says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: Affordable homes should not simply be 'pigeonholes ' (sarang burung) that are not equipped with the necessary amenities such as playgrounds, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim adding that such homes must also be comfortable to live in.
'We have to make changes,' the Prime Minister said at the ground-breaking ceremony for Rumah Belia Madani and Rumah Mampu Milik developed by BMG Global here on Tuesday (April 29).
He said upcoming developments of affordable homes would have the necessary amenities including swimming pools.
'We have thought about all this (aspects) to the best of our ability,' he said.
He said the government would be able to realise this as there is no money wasted on corruption.
'There is money to be returned to the people,' he added.
He noted that there are affordable housing complexes that have not been upgraded since the 1960s and some that have remained the same since his first stint in government more than two decades ago.
Anwar reiterated that the focus of his tenure would not be on building skyscrapers but instead the aim was to develop meaningful projects for the people, especially homes.
'Development is not about skyscrapers or mega projects but it must be meaningful to the people,' he said.
He said over 80% of Kuala Lumpur residents buy meals from small restaurants or stalls, while only a small amount could afford to feast at luxury hotels.
'If that is the case, why, when it comes to development, do we give less attention to projects that would benefit the masses?' he asked.
Therefore, he said the government's focus should be on developing projects that would cater to the needs of the people and protecting the interest of the people.
BMG Global would be developing 1,996 units of affordable housing and 1,048 units of Rumah Belia Madani (RBM) in Kuala Lumpur.
Earlier reports on the project had stated that the RBM units would be built on a cross-subsidy basis by the Housing and Local Government Ministry and BMG Global.
The sales profits being used to build RBM units are a return in kind to the government.
Anwar said he wants the project to be implemented as soon as possible, adding that there should be no delays to it.
He added that he would also monitor the progress of projects launched.
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