Over 10,000 Residensi Madani, Wilayah units to rise in Putrajaya, Govt urged to reconsider PRR selling approach and more
12th March – 18th March
Putrajaya is set to witness the construction of over 10,000 units of Residensi Madani and Residensi Wilayah from this year, with completion slated in 2027.
Meanwhile, the National House Buyers Association of Malaysia (HBA) wants the government to reassess its approach in selling Program Residensi Rakyat (PRR) housing units at discounted prices.
1. Over 10,000 Residensi Madani, Wilayah units to rise in Putrajaya
Putrajaya is set to witness the construction of over 10,000 units of Residensi Madani and Residensi Wilayah from this year, with completion slated in 2027.
Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), said the development of both types of housing is aimed at providing affordable homes to those with low and medium incomes, reported Bernama.
With each housing unit priced at below RM300,000, the project will be developed across several precincts.
“This is one of the efforts to improve people’s living standards under the Usaha Jaya Insan Prgramme (PUJI) cluster, through the Lindung @ PUJI initiative,” she said.
PUJI is part of the initiatives targeted at empowering residents within the Federal Territories, encompassing Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya, in a comprehensive approach to address socio-economic issues.
2. Govt urged to reconsider PRR selling approach
The National House Buyers Association of Malaysia (HBA) wants the government to reassess its approach in selling Program Residensi Rakyat (PRR) housing units at discounted prices.
Datuk Chang Kim Loong, Honorary Secretary-General of HBA, advocates to renting such units to deserving applicants as a transit home, instead of selling them, reported Bernama.
“This is where the lower income groups can stay in relative comfort and pay low rents while they work towards improving their economic livelihood,” explained Chang.
He believes that selling the housing units at discounted prices could lead to exploitation or resell or rental prices by profiteers, undermining efforts to address affordable housing issues among the lower-income groups.
Chang suggested collaboration among ministries to provide skills training at PRR units to provide residents with marketable skills so they could find better jobs.
He also suggested conducting a rental review every five years to ensure only deserving individuals benefit from the programme.
Residents whose economic livelihood has improved should make way for more deserving individuals, added Chang.
3. Johor to enlist developers’ help to revitalize Taman Ungku Tun Aminah Flats
The state government of Johor eyes to enlist the help of developers to revamp Taman Ungku Tun Aminah Flats within Skudai, Johor, reported The Star.
This was one of the suggestions discussed during the meetings with Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), Skudai assemblyman Marina Ibrahim and residents last year, said Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor, Chairman of the State Housing and Local Government Committee.
“This suggestion has so far been well received by residents. The idea is to offer developers the opportunity to redevelop the flats in exchange for the land,” he said.
The plan was inspired by the successful transformation of Kampung Kerinchi flats in Kuala Lumpur.
However, he noted that the implementation of the plan is peppered with several challenges. This include securing the consent of at least 80% of the residents. Legal issues concerning the deceased owners’ estates also have to be resolved relevant to wills and Islamic inheritance laws.
Attracting developers to revitalize the flats also pose a challenge as the developer must have sufficient cash flow and good track record to undertake the project.
Notably, the developer would have to provide residents with temporary accommodation during the redevelopment, which could take three years.
4. MPs want DBKL to disclose all development applications
Members of Parliament in Kuala Lumpur are urging the authorities to enhance transparency by disclosing all applications for development orders (DOs), saying this would enable stakeholders to provide input, reported The Star.
Wangsa Maju MP Zahir Hassan said that if granted, the disclosure would provide residents and MPs the chance to provide input on upcoming development projects. It would also help ensure that development plans proceed smoothly.
“Often, residents find out about a project only after a DO has been issued. This complicates matters for them, developers and buyers,” said Zahir, noting that DBKL faces a significant penalty if it retracts a DO.
DO applications are reviewed and approved by a DBKL planning committee that is chaired by the mayor.
Zahir made the statement following the launch of Kuala Lumpur Residents Action for Sustainable Development Association (KLRA+SD), which serves as a platform for city residents to air their concerns on infrastructure and development issues.
5. Iconic Kompleks PKNS Shah Alam to make way for PKNS Square
The iconic Kompleks PKNS Shah Alam along with other buildings within Section 14 town centre are slated for demolition to give way for the PKNS Square project.
Built in 1977, Kompleks PKNS housed the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) operations. It also served as the headquarters of the Selangor state government, reported the New Straits Times.
Plans to demolish the 47-year old building have circulated since 2001.
The PKNS Square project is part of a bigger urban revitalisation plan for Shah Alam, with a focus on the Smart City Concept and transit-oriented development (TOD).
PKNS CEO Datuk Mahmud Abbas previously said that the project is anticipated to take a few years, with over 90% likely to be completed by 2028.
Amid the rumours, there is uncertainty about the project’s intentions.
Earlier reports indicated that a condominium development would be built at the Kompleks PKNS site, but recent reports suggest that PKNS Square will occupy the site.
