7 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
PM: Defer Madani homes without schools, clinics, green space
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has ordered developers and city officials to defer Madani housing projects that do not include essential public amenities until those requirements are fulfilled.
Speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony of a housing project, Anwar said such projects must include schools, clinics, and green spaces to ensure they are liveable for residents.
He added that if schools are not available nearby, developments must include vertical school buildings within the residential area itself.
Anwar said there would be no room for commissions or kickbacks in the approval or acceleration of these projects.
He said the government's commitment is to the people, not profit or politics.
"We cannot afford to delay. The rakyat cannot wait years to get a liveable home," he said.
The prime minister said the government would no longer tolerate projects that ignored basic needs or were delayed due to red tape or commissions.
"No more delays. No more projects taking five to six years because someone is waiting for a commission," he said.
"This is public housing, not for profit. There will be no commission for the prime minister, the politicians, or the cronies."
Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the Residensi Wilayah Madani project was part of a broader initiative to deliver affordable and liveable housing in the capital.
"This project is not just about building homes — it's about building a community with access to public amenities, transportation, and safety," she said.
Zaliha said her ministry was committed to streamlining bureaucratic processes to speed up approvals without sacrificing standards.
"We are working closely with the local authorities to ensure that approvals are given fairly and quickly, but also with strict adherence to guidelines," she said.
Anwar also reminded stakeholders that for the Madani vision to succeed, agencies must work together.
He cited the example of poor planning in the past, where schools, health clinics, and even public transport were not factored into housing locations.
"How can a family earning RM3,000 a month afford to send their child to school 10km away?" he said.
"Transport alone costs RM300 to RM400. That's not sustainable. And it's not fair."
The Residensi Wilayah Aman Lumayan project will see units ranging from approximately 902 sq ft to 908 sq ft, priced at around RM300,000 each.
Zaliha said that although the cost of the project was RM1 billion, the low selling price ensures that it remains affordable for the people.
