KUALA LUMPUR: Unchecked urbanisation could “hollow out” city centres and push out low-income residents due to market pressure, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Dr Zaliha Mustafa (pic).
She warned that failure to address this issue will worsen economic inequality and mobility, creating a city only for the rich and eroding the city’s social character.
Dr Zaliha made these remarks in her opening speech at the groundbreaking ceremony of Residensi Aman Madani, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Bandar Sri Permaisuri on Wednesday (Aug 6).
Also present was Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also the Prime Minister’s wife.
“In the Federal Territories, we have targeted 80,000 affordable units by 2028. As of today, we have achieved 73,200 units — or 91.5% of the target — comprising completed homes, homes under construction, and those with approved development orders."
She noted that Kuala Lumpur, home to nearly two million people in just 240 square kilometres, now has a population density exceeding 8,100 people per square kilometre.
“Behind this rising number, however, lies a growing spatial gap between the city centre and its residents.
“This spatial inequality forces key city workers — public servants, technicians, nurses, small traders, and more — to live far from their workplaces, commuting two to three hours daily. This affects the cost of living, productivity, and ultimately, their family well-being.”
She added that as urban housing becomes increasingly unaffordable to middle- and lower-income groups, the city risks losing fair wealth distribution.
“Residensi Aman Madani is part of this initiative — offering 3,500 housing units, each 900 square feet. Despite a gross development value of RM1 billion, each unit is sold at only RM300,000 — made possible through strategic cooperation between the government, local authorities, and developers.
“This project is strategically located near hospitals, schools, and the upcoming MRT3 line. It will reduce commute times, giving families more quality time. Parents can send their children to nearby schools and return home earlier, without having to commute daily from Semenyih, Rawang, or Nilai.”
She emphasised that Kuala Lumpur should no longer be a city exclusive to the affluent.
“We envision a unifying city, not a divisive one. But even in our push for affordable housing, I’ve stressed to the Federal Territories Department and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) that all projects must meet quality standards, ensure access to utilities, healthcare, education, and include well-designed public spaces.”
Dr Zaliha said Residensi Aman Madani also incorporates hawker stalls for micro-entrepreneurs, rainwater harvesting systems, and solar panel installations — making it one of the most sustainable housing projects aligned with the ministry’s “CHASE City” vision.
CHASE City, which stands for Clean, Healthy, Advanced, Safe and Eco-Friendly, is an urban transformation plan under the Federal Territories Department launched earlier this year.
