Affordable homes should not be just 'pigeonholes', says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: Affordable homes should not simply be 'pigeonholes ' (sarang burung) that are not equipped with the necessary amenities such as playgrounds, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim adding that such homes must also be comfortable to live in.
'We have to make changes,' the Prime Minister said at the ground-breaking ceremony for Rumah Belia Madani and Rumah Mampu Milik developed by BMG Global here on Tuesday (April 29).
He said upcoming developments of affordable homes would have the necessary amenities including swimming pools.
'We have thought about all this (aspects) to the best of our ability,' he said.
He said the government would be able to realise this as there is no money wasted on corruption.
'There is money to be returned to the people,' he added.
He noted that there are affordable housing complexes that have not been upgraded since the 1960s and some that have remained the same since his first stint in government more than two decades ago.
Anwar reiterated that the focus of his tenure would not be on building skyscrapers but instead the aim was to develop meaningful projects for the people, especially homes.
'Development is not about skyscrapers or mega projects but it must be meaningful to the people,' he said.
He said over 80% of Kuala Lumpur residents buy meals from small restaurants or stalls, while only a small amount could afford to feast at luxury hotels.
'If that is the case, why, when it comes to development, do we give less attention to projects that would benefit the masses?' he asked.
Therefore, he said the government's focus should be on developing projects that would cater to the needs of the people and protecting the interest of the people.
BMG Global would be developing 1,996 units of affordable housing and 1,048 units of Rumah Belia Madani (RBM) in Kuala Lumpur.
Earlier reports on the project had stated that the RBM units would be built on a cross-subsidy basis by the Housing and Local Government Ministry and BMG Global.
The sales profits being used to build RBM units are a return in kind to the government.
Anwar said he wants the project to be implemented as soon as possible, adding that there should be no delays to it.
He added that he would also monitor the progress of projects launched.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Asean news headlines as at 10pm on Friday (June 20)
Malaysia * Najib's DNAA: Material documents unavailable because held up in 1MDB trial, says AGC * Najib freed in RM27mil SRC trial but not cleared * PM: Najib's DNAA solely a judicial matter * 'Economy grew better than expected', PM defends reforms * Iran evacuation: Wisma Putra finalising efforts, M'sians to leave Iran today * Meru shooting: 46-year-old man found dead in 4WD, cops seeking public help for info * SST on commercial rental will impact retail sector, says MRCA * Bernama chairman Wong Chun Wai named national journalism laureate * Malaysia's trade remains on growth trend in May * MasterChef finalist, ex-husband jailed 34 years for maid's murder * UM climbs to 58th place * Malaysia proposes Asean Institute * Selangor Ruler: Stop using the term 'Sisters in Islam' * SIS wins appeal against fatwa * PM: JS-SEZ stands out globally due to trust and stability * Sabah minister in the crosshairs * RON95 price will not be raised, assures Anwar * Nationwide clampdown begins on illegal tourism players * Tariff talks on track, says Anwar * Govt committed to reducing national deficit, says PM * JPJ to audit 500 bus and lorry operators from June 23 in special ops * Mohd Khalid Ismail appointed as new IGP * New IGP to leverage AI in modernising police force * Hamzah Zainudin's mother-in-law dies in house fire * Woman survives fall from seventh floor of Ipoh apartment * Pearly says the ball is in BAM's court * No more imported food at official events, PM tells civil service * 'Queen of Dangdut' Zaleha Hamid passes away at 70 * Malaysian women archers stun India to strike gold at Asian Cup * Herry challenges Aaron-Wooi Yik to reach world No. 1 before world meet * Malaysia shine with four golds in SEA karate meet Singapore * Passenger sues SIA after allergic reaction, claims served meal containing shrimp despite warning crew * Jail for cop who told woman he could help with her drug case if she had sex with him * S'poreans can test for genetic condition causing high cholesterol levels under new programme * Singaporean radio DJ Glenn Ong says he was 'unhappily married' in Instagram post on weight loss * Seah Kian Peng to be nominated again as Speaker of Singapore Parliament; Indranee Rajah will remain Leader of the House * Fire breaks out on oil tanker anchored in eastern Singapore; no injuries reported * One ticket wins S$12.3mil Toto jackpot draw * Siti Nurhaliza to debut new song at Singapore concert Thailand * Thai PM faces call to step down to avert coalition revolt * People's Party rules out forming government with Anutin as PM * Thai PM visits troops as rivals plan new protests for her outster * Love-seeking Thai women visit breast-shaped island, offering bras as thanks if wishes granted * Thai defence minister dodges question on blacklisting Hun Sen, urges unity and political stability * Thailand's economy teeters as political turmoil threatens recovery efforts * Thai PM to meet army commander to defuse political crisis * Thailand's 'Yellow Shirts' return to streets, demand PM quit * Thailand credits prey releases for 'extraordinary' tiger recovery Indonesia * Chinese tourist drowns off Indonesia's pink beach after skipping life jacket to pose for camera * Indonesia mobilises cross-border efforts to combat malaria in Papua * Uncooked rice, ultra-processed food included in free meals programme * Tiny homes for young urbanites draw criticism over livability * This indeed a grand outing: two icons, one song - local legend Misha Omar and Indonesian star Melly Goeslaw unite for 'Break' Superman fans dressed in costumes posing during an event as part of the first stop of the Superman World Tour in Pasig city, Philippines on Thursday June 19, 2025. - AP Philippines * Public transportation will be better by the end of 2025, says Marcos * 'Wait and see,' says Philippine palace to fugitive Harry Roque's 'come and get me' taunt * Philippine Navy seizes US$175mil meth haul at sea * Soldier, three rebel suspects killed in southern Philippine clash Vietnam * Vietnam to appoint leaders for newly-merged localities * PM orders urgent action to prepare for storm season * Vietnam's war-themed coffee chain: Where hipsters meet Vietcong * Vietnam's top leader plans US trip as tariff deadline looms * Vietnam, US hold negotiations on new trade deal, ministry says Cambodia * Cambodia continues efforts to establish a Legacy Institution for genocide prevention, education * Hun Manet urges Malaysia, Cambodia to bolster tourism synergy * Cambodian cookbook wins award in Portugal Myanmar * Covid-19 cases rise to 52 this week, highest in Mon State * Authorities take action after video of student being assaulted in southwestern Myanmar goes viral on social media * Myanmar junta battles guerillas for control of jade hub Laos * Laos strives to develop strong tourism growth * Health ministry inks deal with S. Korea to build new medical university Brunei * Brunei cracks down on int'l drug cartel * Brunei temporarily closes embassy in Teheran * Brunei team brings glory in SEAKF meet Anti-Israel protesters holding placards as they demonstrate against the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran near the Israeli Embassy in Tokyo on June 20, 2025. - AFP Aseanplus * China condemns British warship's 'troublemaking' Taiwan Strait transit * South Korea's Cabinet approves universal cash grant amid controversy * 87 Japanese nationals, family members evacuated from Iran, Israel * Leaders of China, New Zealand discuss trade, Pacific security * Ramos-Horta: Timor-Leste ready to contribute to regional stability * South Korea says SK and Amazon to invest $5 billion in country's biggest data centre * 'Cyborg' Chinese woman with rare disorder lives on feeding tube, stays optimistic * New S. Korean President's call for public to suggest Cabinet members 'more than a populist move' * Australian trial says tech for social media teen ban can work * S. Korean taxi driver under fire for sexually harassing Thai tourist * N. Korea flag disrupts S. Korea church livestream in 'hacking incident' * Monsters and memes: Labubu dolls ride China soft-power wave * billionaire's viral stunt reignites China's food-delivery feud * Rice prices double in Japan as inflation accelerates * Where is Trump's 'all-American' phone made? Analysts point to Asia * Japan's core inflation hits 2-year high, keeps rate-hike bets alive * Hong Kong singer Tommy Yuen arrested for allegedly stealing snacks worth HK$140 * Star singer Hael Husaini overjoyed as tickets for solo concert almost sold out; celebrates by inviting more 'friends' on stage for big show * Ju Hak-nyeon, formerly of K-pop boy band The Boyz, denies paying for sex * Stephen Chow cuddles up to Carina Lau in new photo; fans think a movie collaboration is in the works
The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
PM Anwar records his appreciation to Razarudin
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his appreciation to former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain for his service, contributions, and leadership during his tenure heading the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). In a Facebook post on Friday (June 20), Anwar stated that he conveyed this during a farewell courtesy call from Razarudin. "I pray that Tan Sri Razarudin continues to be blessed with good health and the strength to continue contributing to the nation in any capacity. Thank you for your very meaningful service to the people and the country," he said. Razarudin, who joined PDRM in 1982, was appointed as the 14th IGP for a two-year contract after his retirement, effective June 23, 2023, and will conclude his service this Sunday. Throughout his career, Razarudin held several important positions, including Head of Penang Criminal Investigation Department in 2016, Deputy Commissioner of Sabah Police (2016), Deputy Chief Police Officer of Perak (2018), Chief Police Officer of Perak (2019), Director of Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (2020), and Deputy Inspector-General of Police (2021). Earlier, Bukit Aman Special Branch Director Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail was appointed as the 15th IGP, replacing Razarudin, effective Friday.- Bernama
Focus Malaysia
9 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
Social protection programmes key to poverty reduction
MALAYSIA has stepped up efforts to reduce poverty in recent years through targeted social protection programmes, particularly those aimed at the B40 income category. However, the effectiveness and breadth of these programmes are called into question since growing living expenses continue to strain all income levels, including M40. The B40 in Malaysia's social protection environment Targeted assistance for the Bottom 40% (B40) income group is the central tenet of Malaysia's approach to reducing poverty. Programmes like Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH), Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat (BPR), and the more recent measures unveiled in Budget 2025 aim to help low-income households cope with the rising cost of living. These initiatives provide needy families short-term financial relief through subsidies, housing assistance and cash help. The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) statistics, however, show that although these programmes provide short-term respite, they cannot significantly improve families' long-term economic standing. A recent report from DOSM states that the average income of B40 has increased by only 1.5% per year, which is not enough to keep up with inflation. Many people still have limited purchasing power as a result, particularly given the sharp increase in the price of food and housing. As such, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has underlined the government's will to address these problems, promising to lower costs and increase accessibility to necessities to ease financial burdens. Critics contend that monetary distributions could not alleviate underlying economic inequities despite these guarantees. 'Malaysia's B40 will continue to face an uphill struggle against poverty without structural reforms in education, employment, and wage policies,' one economist noted. Global social protection models: Achievements and insights for Malaysia Various social protection regimes worldwide have successfully reduced poverty, particularly when multifaceted and sustainable approaches are used. One programme generally commended for decreasing severe poverty is Brazil's Bolsa Família, which goes beyond cash transfers by requiring families to comply with health and education standards. This strategy has broken the cycle of inter-generational poverty, which has had a profoundly positive effect. Another practical example is the Basic Livelihood Security Program (BLSP) in South Korea, which combines financial help with housing assistance, skill development, and job support. By linking financial aid to social services and job training, the BLSP has decreased poverty rates and enhanced recipients' capacity to find steady work, encouraging long-term independence. South Korea's strategy emphasises the necessity of a comprehensive social safety net that fosters employment and skill development. Similarly, the European Union's 'Active Inclusion' approach supports beneficiaries by combining labour market reforms with social protection, offering financial assistance and work placements. Malaysian approach gaps: Going beyond financial aid Though Malaysia's B40 initiatives offer much-needed financial assistance, they don't have the same cohesive structure as nations like Brazil and South Korea. Due to the lack of a multifaceted strategy, B40 beneficiaries' ability to achieve economic independence is restricted. The main drawback is that Malaysia's social security system primarily uses short-term financial assistance to combat poverty rather than focusing on long-term empowerment initiatives. On the other hand, effective schemes, such as the BLSP in South Korea, strongly emphasise developing human capital, providing work opportunities and skill training to recipients as part of their social benefits. Another gap is the availability of affordable housing. Although Malaysian authorities have started projects to provide inexpensive housing, they are frequently focused in metropolitan areas where demand outpaces supply, underserving rural and peri-urban locations. Future directions for Malaysia: Establishing a Comprehensive social safety system Motivated by South Kore's BLSP and Brazil's Bolsa Família, Malaysia might benefit from implementing a more all-encompassing strategy that incorporates job assistance and skill development to improve the efficacy of social security. Working with social services and career development programmes might pave the way for the B40 to become resilient and financially independent. Furthermore, prioritising accessible education and universal healthcare will guarantee that fundamental necessities are satisfied, lessening the financial burden on low-income households. These steps would align with international best practices, calling governments to establish safety nets that do more than alleviate acute misery. Finally, increasing social protection in underprivileged regions might improve living conditions for low-income people in rural and urban areas, addressing regional disparity concerns. When Malaysia prepares for Budget 2025, adding these components might turn the B40 support system into a cornerstone for long-term, sustainable poverty alleviation. Using holistic reform to close the gap A move towards a more integrated strategy might enhance results for the B40 and beyond as Malaysia's social protection programmes continue to develop. As demonstrated by international examples, providing routes to education, work, and self-sufficiency is necessary to reduce poverty effectively. If these all-inclusive models are emulated, all Malaysians might gain from the country's progress, which could help Malaysia close the gap in economic inequality. ‒ June 20, 2025 The author is the Director of the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Bernama
