13MP: All new large-scale housing developments must build schools

• Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative aims to address overcrowding and the lack of suitable land for education facilities, particularly in urban areas

KUALA LUMPUR (July 31): Construction of schools will be made a condition for planning permission in new large-scale housing projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said while tabling the 13MP today that the initiative aims to address overcrowding and the lack of suitable land for education facilities, particularly in urban areas, reported The Malaysian Reserve.

“The construction of schools will also be made a condition for planning approval for new large-scale housing projects,” said Anwar.

He said, under the 13MP, Putrajaya will also allocate RM67 billion for education to build new schools and upgrade existing schools.

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"The allocation will encompass the construction of new schools, repairs and upgrades of school buildings, including the Community Development Department centres and facilities and infrastructure for public higher learning institutions," he said.

Anwar said as of 2025, the government has upgraded 1,200 dilapidated schools nationwide, reported New Straits Times.

"At the same time, the development of vertical schools will be expanded to address student overcrowding and the lack of suitable land for new school sites," he added.

Anwar said the government wants to ensure preschool and secondary school enrolment rates reach 98%, which is above the global average.

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