Madani housing units mandatory for large landholdings, says KL mayor

• “This is intended to achieve [the city’s] target of 40% affordable housing units by 2040.”

KUALA LUMPUR (Sep 10): Developments on land parcels bigger than five acres must include residential Madani units, said Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif.

“The government requires that any land [in KL] greater than five acres must include residential Madani units in the development, while land less than five acres is encouraged to contribute to the establishment of such units,” she said in her keynote speech today at the 15th International Conference on World-Class Sustainable Cities (WCSC 2024). 

“This is intended to achieve [the city’s] target of 40% affordable housing units by 2040,” she added. 

Kuala Lumpur's population, currently at 1.98 million within the 243 sq km of KL City Hall (DBKL) boundaries, is projected to exceed 2.35 million by 2040, she highlighted.

She stressed that KL, in its role as Malaysia's capital, aspires to be a world-class city that is conducive to living, sustainable and resilient for all its residents. To demonstrate this commitment, the government has implemented policies to ensure there are affordable housing and mixed-use developments.

Seeking solutions to sustainable transportation

Maimunah also underscored the crucial role of public transportation in KL's liveability. DBKL has been actively working to improve connectivity through the expansion of mass rapid transit (MRT) and light rail transit (LRT) lines, the introduction of electric buses, and the creation of pedestrian and micro-mobility paths.

While acknowledging the progress made, she also recognised ongoing challenges such as last-mile connectivity and encouraging greater public transport usage. Future efforts will focus on addressing these issues and promoting sustainable transportation options, including cycling.

REHDA president urges ESG adoption for Malaysia's future

During the official launch of WCSC 2024, the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia (Rehda) president Datuk Ir Ho Hon Sang emphasised the urgent need for ESG (environmental, social and governance) [investments] in Malaysia. 

He highlighted the government's ambitious net-zero target by 2050 and stressed the importance of prioritising ESG across all sectors. By embracing ESG, Malaysia can enhance its international standing and ensure a sustainable future for its economy, society, and environment.

“Otherwise, we won't have the bargaining power and advantage to negotiate in international trade terms and conditions. This will affect the political, economic and social conditions of the country.

“We will continue to embark on and promote ESG, and see how the building industry can fit into the ESG agenda,” Ho stressed.

139 sites in KL ready for urban regeneration

Earlier today, in an opening speech recorded by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa, she said that officials have identified 139 sites ready for urban regeneration. 

She highlighted that these areas represent untapped potential and can be transformed into vibrant hubs of social, economic and cultural activity. Urban regeneration will help turn these spaces into thriving new communities that benefit everyone.

(Read also: WCSC 2024 to focus on holistic strategies for urban regeneration

Building better cities: The role of public-private partnerships in urban regeneration)

WCSC is a yearly event co-organised by the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur (Rehda KL), the Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP) and the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM). This year’s conference is held on Sept 10 (Tue) at the M Resort & Hotel, Bukit Kiara, KL, with EdgeProp.my as the official media partner.

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