Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim has stated that Malaysia does not need more skyscrapers and that it should prioritise initiatives that “serve its people” instead.
Ibrahim has said that expensive tall buildings will no longer be a priority for the Malaysian government, reported by The Malaysian Reserve.
Instead, the prime minister said its ministries will allocate these funds to improving conditions of spaces used and enjoyed by the general public.
“What is the meaning of a strong ringgit and significant investment coming in if they do not directly benefit the people?” Ibrahim said.
“That’s why, from the beginning, I have emphasised the need to focus on projects that serve and respect the people,” he continued.
“There are already many skyscrapers, if the private sector wants to build them please do. But, the government does not make this a priority anymore. I don’t want to brag because Malaysia or Kuala Lumpur already has tall, great and leading buildings in the world.”
The statement by Ibrahim was made last week during the launch of the Madani Civil Servants Public Housing programme (PPAM) – an initiative that requires every new residential project in the capital to integrate one or two blocks of affordable homes for low-income citizens.
He said that maintaining cleanliness among stalls and small restaurants where many locals like to spend time will now become a key focus of the government, though the private sector will not be stopped from building skyscrapers.
“There are already many skyscrapers, if the private sector wants to build them please do. But, the government does not make this a priority anymore,” explained Ibrahim.
“I want the department with all ministries to focus on maintaining cleanliness at warung, stalls and small restaurants because this is what 80 per cent of the people in the capital enjoy, but, unfortunately, our focus is not commensurate.”
Source: Dezeen
