Consider moving Madani Suria project out of KL, Kok tells PM

September 2, 2024

Consider moving Madani Suria project out of KL, Kok tells PM

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s commitment to help lower-income groups is admirable, but it is equally important to address the valid concerns of local residents, says Seputeh MP Teresa Kok.

Referring to the planned Madani Suria housing project by Mah Sing Group in Taman Desa, Kuala Lumpur, she said the prime minister may need to be further informed on the issue.

“It appears that the prime minister may not fully grasp Taman Desa’s demographics. Many residents are middle-income earners, and a substantial portion belongs to the B40 group, living in low-cost flats such as Teratak Apartment, Sri Lembah Flats, and Iris Apartment,” Kok said in a statement.

She added that this economically vulnerable community also opposes the development, fearing that the area will become overcrowded and further strain the already inadequate infrastructure.

Kok said she supports the Madani Housing initiative – which aims to provide affordable housing for the poor – but development must be carefully planned with adequate supporting infrastructure and services.

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“Uncoordinated development exacerbates issues such as traffic congestion, overcrowded schools, inadequate medical facilities, and insufficient parking.

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“Comprehensive spatial planning models are essential, and local plans should be adjusted only when holistic spatial considerations are made,” she said.

Kok went on to say that Madani housing projects are often subsidised through luxury housing developments, leading to higher density projects.

“This process can compromise essential community needs by repurposing land originally designated for recreational use and flood retention, worsening urban congestion and conservation challenges,” she said.

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Kok suggested moving projects outside Kuala Lumpur, which is already overcrowded, to other towns and cities in the Klang Valley.

She said land in Selangor is cheaper than in Kuala Lumpur, which would allow for reduced project density and costs, and reduce the need to subsidise projects through high-end housing.

“Engaging authorities such as the National Housing Corporation for these projects could alleviate inner-city congestion, reduce pressure on city amenities, and improve the overall quality of life in the capital,” she added.

According to Kok, expanding development to surrounding municipalities would also promote regional growth and foster a more balanced urban development strategy.

At the groundbreaking ceremony of the Residensi Suria Madani project in Taman Desa on Thursday, Anwar dismissed objections to the project, saying low-income earners who work in the city need a place to live.

Anwar claimed that elites would complain every time plans for an affordable housing project were announced, including Taman Desa.

He said friends would often advise him to ensure the high-income earners lived comfortably.

“But how about the poor? Where do they live if we don’t provide affordable homes? In Hutan Melintang?” he said, referring to a sub-district in Perak.

“So I will disregard protests (by the elites) like this,” he said.