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PETALING JAYA: Housing, urban planning and urban health to create green and eco-friendly communities will continue to be the focus for the Housing and Local Government Ministry.
Its minister Nga Kor Ming said currently, 77% of Malaysians own their own homes, which has improved the living standards of many families.
"Looking ahead, the ministry will promote the construction of more high-quality housing to continue enhancing the living standards of Malaysians," he said in his closing keynote speech at the World Cities Summit (WCS) in Singapore on Tuesday (June 4).
The ministry, said Nga, planned to launch a new public housing programme - "Program Residensi Rakyat" (PRR).
"This programme aims to provide affordable and well-designed public housing.
"These public houses will cost around RM300,000 but the government will subsidise buyers to allow them to purchase high-quality houses at subsidised prices.
"Malaysia is collaborating with Singapore's Housing and Development Board to advance the PRR programme. Malaysia is always willing to learn from good practices," he said.
Malaysia, added Nga, would also strengthen public and community participation in urban planning and development projects through the upcoming Fifth National Physical Plan (NPP5) and the Third National Urbanisation Policy (NUP3).
"The government is upgrading basic facilities nationwide, including public toilets, roads, and the Madani Recreational Park, ensuring that all Malaysians enjoy good mental and living quality", he added.
Future cities, said Nga, must meet the following conditions: livability, sustainability, convenient transportation, affordability, and cultural richness.
He said since gaining independence in 1957, Malaysia's urbanisation had made significant progress, with 78% of the population now living in urban areas.
"The spread of urbanisation has accelerated economic development. At the same time, through long-term urban planning and policy implementation, our per capita income has increased from US$238 in 1961 to US$12,000 last year."
"The country predicts for 85% of the population to live in cities by 2040," he said.
Malaysia, noted Nga, has several cities with strong economic dynamics and cultural richness, citing Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Kuching as examples.
As Malaysia would be assuming the Asean chairmanship in 2025, Nga called for strengthened cooperation with member countries to address global challenges, such as climate change.
This year's World Cities Summit has seen about 3,500 attendees from 96 countries.
Nga had earlier met Singapore minister Grace Fu to strengthen bilateral relations.
Both Nga and Fu, who is also Singapore's Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, later discussed enhancing Malaysia-Singapore cooperation.
During the meeting, they explored opportunities for cooperation in housing development, urban planning, solid waste management, and addressing climate change.
Nga said Malaysia is looking forward to collaborating more with Singapore in these areas, especially in the Johor Economic Region, to jointly promote sustainable development in both countries.
He was also invited by Singapore's Minister for National Development Desmond Lee to enjoy bak kut teh at an outlet on the island state.
Nga said besides exchanging views of the different bak kut teh cooked in the two countries, they also discussed four major areas: public housing, sustainable development, urban planning, and urban renewal.
"I also took this opportunity to invite Desmond Lee to the Asean-China Construction Ministers' Roundtable, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur on July 3.
"I warmly invited him to join me in Malaysia to enjoy the internationally renowned Klang bak kut teh."
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