PM: Easier DBKL approvals if developers build affordable homes
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has promised housing developers easier Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) approvals if they include affordable housing blocks in their projects.
This will help address the housing issue in the capital city, he said.
"I have instructed the Federal Territories Department and DBKL to relax the...
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has promised housing developers easier Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) approvals if they include affordable housing blocks in their projects.
This will help address the housing issue in the capital city, he said.
"I have instructed the Federal Territories Department and DBKL to relax the rules and expedite approvals for housing projects with land, on the condition that they include one or two blocks of affordable housing for the benefit of the people," Anwar said.
The premier announced this in a speech at the launch ceremony for the Madani Malaysia civil servant housing at Pixel City Sentral in Bandar Sri Permaisuri, Kuala Lumpur today.
Anwar highlighted that his administration inherited a list of 60,000 people waiting for affordable housing. The project launched today will provide housing for only 850 of those in the queue.
However, he shared that Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has made plans to house a further 34,000 people.
“I thank Nga for focusing not only on normal housing developments but also on Madani housing to protect the interests of not only civil servants but also the B40 and M40 groups facing difficulties,” Anwar added.
Ringgit’s performance
The prime minister also commented on the ringgit’s rise, stating that it must benefit the people directly.
"What is the meaning of the ringgit's strength and the investment that comes in if it does not directly benefit the people?” he questioned.
On Aug 4, Anwar said that the ringgit reached its strongest level in 14 years due to the coalition government’s policies and collective efforts to develop the country.
Before this, critics lambasted him over the depreciating local currency, which reached an all-time low against the US dollar in October last year, the weakest since the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.
Anwar clarified today that the ringgit is not the strongest in Asia nor its value the best, but it has the highest rate of appreciation.
Upgrading KL eateries
He also expressed his desire to focus on the cleanliness of food stalls and small restaurants, as they are patronised by the majority of city dwellers.
"I want to thank the Federal Territories Department, the Housing and Local Government Ministry, and DBKL for their attention to this matter.
“They have upgraded and improved around 70 to 80 food stalls, making them beautiful and clean," he said.
Anwar emphasised that this was more important to him than building skyscrapers and large buildings.
