THE Federal Territories Ministry has identified 139 land parcels, covering a total of 1,228.95 hectares, for potential redevelopment as part of efforts to provide affordable housing in Kuala Lumpur, according to Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories).
These sites are outlined in the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040 (PSKL2040) and the Draft Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (DPTKL2040), which designate these areas for affordable housing projects in the future.
Dr. Zaliha shared that the Draft DPTKL2040 introduces a new land use designation, Residential 4 (R4), which will be a dedicated zone for affordable housing projects, including public housing. This zone will cover 354.47 hectares, she added during a recent session in the Dewan Rakyat.
Responding to a question from Onn Abu Bakar (PH-Batu Pahat), Dr. Zaliha outlined the government's plans for both short- and long-term initiatives to address the availability of land for affordable housing development.
She emphasised that affordable housing would be incorporated into high-density residential, commercial, and mixed-use development zones, with an additional 253.39 hectares allocated for various affordable housing categories, including Residensi MADANI and Rumah Wilayah (formerly known as RUMAWIP).
In her statement, Dr. Zaliha explained that the redevelopment process would not only rely on government-owned land but would also involve private sector participation to meet the commitments set in the 2040 plans.
As part of the initiative, the Draft DPTKL2040 also designates six sites for Subsidised Rental Public Housing (PASS) aimed at the B40 and M40 income groups, utilizing land owned by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
Dr. Zaliha further revealed that the government has planned the construction of 80,000 units under the Residensi MADANI and RUMAWIP programs between 2018 and 2028. As of now, 91% of this target has been met, with 72,864 units completed across 101 projects in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan.
She credited this achievement to the government’s strategic intervention and consistent efforts to adopt innovative solutions in the development of affordable housing.
In addition, Dr. Zaliha announced that DBKL would propose to the Education Ministry the construction of vertical schools in Kuala Lumpur to address land shortages and the growing population in the capital.
The concept, which is already widely used in Australia, involves compact school buildings with integrated sports and recreational facilities. These schools would range from 10 to 17 stories high across two main blocks, ensuring that essential education and recreation services are maintained while making efficient use of limited land space.
This approach aims to meet the city’s growing infrastructure needs without compromising on the quality of educational and community facilities, she explained in response to a follow-up question regarding the development of essential infrastructure in the capital. – February 18, 2025
Federal Territories Ministry, Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040, affordable housing
