KUALA LUMPUR: The government has done its utmost to engage Indonesia in addressing the worsening transboundary haze, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“We have done everything we possibly could,” he briefly told reporters after officiating at the launch of the Universiti Malaya (UM) student residential project here.
The Prime Minister was responding to allegations that the government had not been proactive enough in tackling the transboundary haze issue.
Former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin criticised the government for being “too soft” in its dealings with Indonesia over the haze, calling for a firmer stance.
On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the two nations have started exploring ways of tackling forest fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra that have caused transboundary haze.
Meanwhile on the event at UM yesterday, Anwar said he had directed government agencies to expedite the university’s student residential project, saying it must be completed ahead of its proposed 2030 timeline.
He said the project was a priority for the government and that he would personally monitor its implementation and became a model for other universities.
“I have given the assurance that the entire government machinery understands this is a priority project that must be completed as quickly as possible.
“However, expediting the project must not come at the expense of quality, transparency or accountability.”
He also said that the development should reflect the human-centred values of Malaysia Madani, adding that students deserve suitable living conditions regardless of their financial backgrounds.
“The project is intended to serve as a model for similar developments at other universities, with Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) among the institutions that could be involved in subsequent phases.”
The development will be carried out in two phases, with a total planned capacity of up to 40,000 students.
UM vice-chancellor Datuk Seri Noor Azuan Abu Osman said the university will collaborate with a consortium of GLICs to develop the residential project.
The first phase will be undertaken by PBLT Sdn Bhd, while the second phase will involve collaboration with Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd and Sime Darby Property Bhd.
He said the residence will offer four categories of accommodation to cater to the diverse needs of students: “Standard” (five rooms for 10 residents), “Standard Premium” (three rooms for six residents), “Apartment” (two rooms for three residents), and “Studio” (for one resident).
Each accommodation category is also designed to include air-conditioning facilities to enhance student comfort.
