HOUSING and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has challenged opposition MPs who oppose the Urban Renewal Act (URA) to live temporarily in rundown flats in the capital, saying it is the only way they can truly understand the plight of Malaysia’s urban poor.
“I invite MPs who object to the Act to bring their wives and children and live there, so they can feel what it’s like for the urban poor,” he said. “We are willing to offer vacant units and even waive the rent if they’re willing to stay in these ageing flats.”
Nga said the ministry had previously arranged for members of Parliament and the Senate to visit such flats, one of which was noted for the presence of pythons. However, despite sending special invitations twice to opposition MPs, he said none had turned up.
“They promised to attend, but on the day, they didn’t show. They skipped it—just like they skip Parliament,” he told reporters during the Sentuhan Kasih 3.0 programme in Kampung Cempaka in Kuantan on Saturday.
Asked if he intended to reissue the invitation, Nga responded that he had no such plans. “Don’t just stay in your own bungalows. Go live in the old flats, take Datin Seri along, and maybe then you’ll understand why we are pushing for the URA,” he said.
Commenting on underutilised kiosks built by local councils, Nga acknowledged there were issues, but said efforts were being made to address them. He noted that the initiative aims to support small traders, particularly those operating without licences.
“Some kiosks were fitted with green technology, but in the first phase, the solar panels and batteries were too weak—only lasting four hours. For the second phase, we’re using improved panels and longer-lasting batteries,” he explained.
He has instructed the ministry’s director-general to act immediately and has also directed local councils to provide updates on the unused kiosks.
“There are 156 local councils across the country, and they handle the kiosk approvals and distributions,” he said.
On a broader scale, Nga announced that over RM203 million has been allocated this year for development and infrastructure upgrades in Pahang.
This includes; RM61.73 million for eight People’s Residency Programme (PRR) housing projects in Kuantan, Jerantut, Bentong, Temerloh, Maran, Inderapura, and Bera; 782 homes under the Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) scheme, targeted at families earning under RM5,000 who own land but lack adequate housing; RM21.13 million for commercial centre development in Cameron Highlands, the Pekan Sentral project, and slope maintenance; and RM23.61 million for solid waste management projects in Kuantan, Lipis, Maran, Bentong, Cameron Highlands, Temerloh, and Pulau Tioman.
“These initiatives aim to boost economic activity, provide safe and comfortable housing, and support sustainable waste management systems that protect public health and the environment,” Nga said.
He later visited Kuantan’s Pasar Besar and public facilities at Taman Tasik Lestari as part of the KPKT’s Sentuhan Kasih programme. - May 3, 2025
