KUALA LUMPUR: The developer and contractor of a housing project here were caught unawares when Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim called them out during a groundbreaking ceremony and asked if a school was part of the plan.
The developer, Danau Lumayan Sdn Bhd, and its turnkey contractor, Pesona Metro Holdings Bhd, were surprised when the Prime Minister stopped his speech and asked them if the housing project had preschools and a school within its vicinity.
Anwar did this midway into his speech during the groundbreaking ceremony of Residensi Aman Madani in Bandar Sri Permaisuri here Wednesday (Aug 6).
Also present at the event was Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), and Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also the Prime Minister’s wife.
Anwar said that all housing projects must ensure that basic education facilities are part of the plan as education is a basic need of every household.
Anwar said that parents who buy new houses should not have to walk far to send their toddlers to nurseries or kindergartens and children should not have to go far to get to schools.
“Urban developments should include schools, childcare, and health facilities. We cannot plan cities without thinking about the needs of the people. We should not build houses without schools nearby. Projects should be monitored directly by the Prime Minister to ensure they follow this concept.
“If we want to be responsible leaders, we must act on the people's complaints. We must uphold integrity. Do not approve projects solely just because we claim to be 'clean'. Being clean also means being efficient. Corruption and commissions must be eradicated,” said Anwar.
He said that parents should not have to worry about their children getting to and from schools, if schools are nearby or within the vicinity of the housing project.
“All housing projects should have preschools and schools incorporated as part of their plan. If there are no schools already existing nearby, then there must be dedicated vertical schools (for the community).
“Next Monday (Aug 11), the developers, contractors, the FT minister and project planners must brief me on where the schools and preschools are.
“I don't mind the attacks on me in Parliament but we must do the necessary to attend to the people's needs.
“We need both primary and secondary schools. If there are no schools nearby, at least one block in the area must be allocated for educational purposes. A second block should be reserved until all conditions are met. If we want vertical schools, we must ensure proper facilities and planning,” said Anwar.
He said that developers should address the reality on the ground, especially of urban dwellers who need houses but earn only so much.
“Many urban parents earn only RM2000 to 3000 per month. Kindergartens are too far - some up to 2km away. I’ve instructed that kindergartens be located within buildings. If not, this needs to be corrected by the city planners. The goal is to allow parents to work peacefully, knowing their children are safe and nearby.
“The urban poor need our focus. In many cases, the urban poor outnumber rural poor. Programmes should be aimed at them. The government should reduce costs, increase wages, and prioritise public service effectiveness.
"I appreciate the city’s efforts in building more stalls for small traders. About 85% of Federal Territory residents buy from these small stalls. We shouldn’t neglect them while building tall luxury towers. Let’s not only beautify the city but also support everyday livelihoods,” said Anwar.
In the Residensi Aman Madani project, housing developer Danau Lumayan will develop 3,438 units of affordable housing in Bandar Sri Permaisuri, Cheras.
The affordable housing project, with a gross development value (GDV) of approximately RM1.01bil, will be known as Residensi Wilayah Aman Lumayan.
The project, which comprises three phases — Phase 1, Phase 2A, and Phase 2B — will be fully completed within five years.
