PM Wants Housing Projects for the People to Be Built Near LRT Services
KLANG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants open spaces around or near train service areas such as the Light Rail Transit (LRT) to be developed with housing projects for the people.
He said this is among the steps that can be considered not only to help the people own homes but also to encourage the use of public transport, thereby optimising the service.
With the concept of housing near such facilities, he believes it can reduce traffic congestion and the cost of living, while also contributing to carbon reduction.
“I am drawn to (the proposal by) Transport Minister Anthony Loke that large areas such as these (near LRT stations)… We see (there are) large parking lots that need to be utilised.
“In Kuala Lumpur, there are already plans for which areas with large MRT stations should be developed there (but) subject to strict conditions for the development of the area. When the area is upgraded (developed), (there must be) sufficient parking (lots) and (provided) housing for the people.
“I don’t think five-star housing, of course (there will be) medium and lower-level shops provided for the benefit of the people.
“This (Shah Alam) line is among the busiest in the country. Then when there is congestion, carbon emissions are high. When there is congestion, it means travel time is longer, more fuel is used, and carbon is released into the atmosphere. All of this is a burden on the ecosystem and the country’s environment,” he said in a speech at the launch of the Shah Alam Line at the Johan Setia LRT Depot, here today.
To realise this aspiration, Anwar also instructed the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Transport (MOT), Jana Santhiran Munaiyan, and the Ministry of Finance (MOF), including Prasarana, to expedite the matter.
At the same time, he wants the Selangor government and local authorities (PBTs) to assist in facilitating the approval process so that the proposed projects can be started as soon as possible.
“Even though the land belongs to Prasarana, I feel that the Prasarana board should carefully examine this matter. Large areas should not be wasted. It is important to develop (sufficient facilities such as) parking, shops for small traders and housing for the people.
“So I believe, the Selangor Menteri Besar (Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari) and the municipal councils will cooperate and will carry out (their duties) efficiently.
“I don’t want two months to become eight months. If we follow the usual method, the process will take a minimum of eight to (possibly) 10 months.
“But when we emphasise and instruct for immediate implementation, it can be completed within one and a half months. Like in Penang, when discussing housing projects with the Chief Minister (Chow Kon Yeow), approvals can be given on the condition that (proposals) are submitted and can be done within just one month.
“If we wait for houses to be completed, it becomes a burden. If we can improve efficiency (in approvals), we can improve the comfort of hundreds of thousands (of people).
“Don’t be too bureaucratic, don’t steal money, don’t skim and don’t take commissions that are not rightfully ours. If we can ensure that all levels of efficiency are good, there will be no problems,” he said.
Harian Metro