PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for the MADANI Youth Housing and Affordable Homes project in Mukim Batu, Kuala Lumpur, to be completed on schedule, stressing that homebuyers should not be left waiting unnecessarily.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the development, Anwar urged all regulatory and approval processes to be expedited.
He said he had instructed Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif to report project progress directly to him.
“I want to make it clear—we are here today for the groundbreaking, and I expect this project to proceed without delay. I do not support launching housing projects just for applause, only for them to go silent for the next three months,” Bernama cited him saying.
“I am highly focused on implementation. If possible, all approvals should be finalised within two weeks—not two months. Let’s not allow this to stall due to unpredictable bureaucratic hurdles,” he added.
Bernama reported that the groundbreaking event was for a total of two blocks of MADANI youth homes with a capacity of 1,048 units will be developed, featuring various facilities such as a multipurpose hall, surau, laundry services, and a 6,000-square-foot MADANI retail space.
Meanwhile, the affordable housing component will comprise three blocks with a total of 1,996 units, each measuring 820 square feet.
Additionally, 20 per cent of all housing units in the project will be allocated to members of the Malaysian Armed Forces and the Royal Malaysia Police.
Anwar emphasised that the MADANI Government remains committed to meeting its target of building 500,000 affordable homes by the end of this year.
“In the past, targets of 400,000 to 500,000 affordable homes were announced over a span of 20 years, but they were never achieved due to the lack of leadership with strong political will,” he said.
“It’s often more profitable to develop luxury homes—the commissions are higher. But building low-cost homes means lower commissions. So, which do we choose? Commissions or the welfare of the people? I stress that this government must prioritise public interest and ensure proper protection for the people,” he added.
On urban development, Anwar said it should not be measured solely by tall landmarks or mega projects, but by initiatives that provide direct benefits to the public.
He stated that in building the MADANI nation, the most important focus must be on human development and public welfare.
The event was also attended by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif, and Malaysian Armed Forces Chief General Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar. - April 29, 2025
