KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said that housing projects in Malaysia, particularly affordable homes, must adhere to a humane concept.
He said that these developments should prioritise the well-being and dignity of the people, ensuring they were not only affordable but also conducive to a good quality of life.
He stressed that while achieving progress in development was important, it was crucial to address the basic housing needs of society as a whole, leaving no one behind.
"I would like to highlight this point… We all aspire for economic growth, but we must remind ourselves that development must also be humane," he said.
Anwar said that while developments such as artificial intelligence (AI) are typically mastered by skilled groups, success could not be achieved without the contributions of cleaners, cooks, technicians, and other essential workers.
"When discussing development, we must not overlook the needs of all these individuals. If we do not remind ourselves, we may forget," he said.
"Housing for the people is crucial, and comfort is key. Affordable housing must ensure that individuals can integrate into society with access to basic facilities," he added.
Anwar gave examples to illustrate his point: "If luxury housing includes high-end amenities like a pool, then affordable housing should also provide a pool for the community. Similarly, if the rich have a golf course in their housing area, the people should have access to a playground in theirs."
"We must provide housing facilities that ensure residents feel like they are part of the community, and that the country recognises their role," he said in his speech at the signing ceremony of the joint development agreement (JDA) for the Rumah Bakat Baru Madani scheme today.
The tripartite agreement was signed between Penang Development Corporation (PDC), PDC Properties (a subsidiary of PDC), and SkyWorld Development Bhd.
Anwar also stressed the urgency of affordable housing development projects, saying, "There is no justification for delaying affordable housing projects once the necessary documentation and approvals are in place."
He cited the Residensi Suria Madani in Taman Desa, launched in August, as an example.
The project received approval from Kuala Lumpur City Hall within 45 days.
"If it can be done in Kuala Lumpur, I am confident Penang can achieve the same," he said.
Anwar witnessed the signing ceremony alongside Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
The agreement was signed by PDC CEO Datuk Aziz Bakar, PDC Properties CEO Ismail Ishak, SkyWorld CEO Lee Chee Seng, and SkyWorld founder and executive chairman Datuk Seri Ng Thien Phing.
The Rumah Bakat Baru Madani project is described as the largest affordable housing development in the nation's history, with an estimated gross development value of RM13 billion.
Located on two prime plots in Penang — 13.75ha in Seberang Jaya and 65.35ha in Batu Kawan — the project aims to deliver over 35,000 affordable homes.
Units will be priced between RM225,000 and RM420,000.
The first phase of the development is scheduled for launch in 2026, with the entire project expected to span a 10-year development period.
When combined with existing affordable housing units, both schemes will play a significant role in the federal government's commitment under the 12th Malaysian Plan to deliver 500,000 affordable homes by next year.
In his speech, Nga Kor Ming said that the project aligned with Malaysia Madani's principles of harmony, adding, "This collaboration demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships in realising the government's vision."