Anwar hails ‘historic’ Bukit Kiara housing breakthrough

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today hailed the Bukit Kiara longhouse redevelopment as “historic”, saying it should serve as a model for how the country ought to be governed.

A 44-year wait by 98 families for promised replacement housing has entered its final phase, with construction of the long-delayed project officially commencing today.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Anwar also announced that the government has approved RM1 million to subsidise maintenance costs for the new homes for at least three years, saying that the residents should not be burdened with additional expenses after moving in.

“For me, this is a positive example of what Malaysia can achieve. When policies are clear, leadership is committed, and there is awareness and understanding, we can build a new Malaysia that is fairer and ensures wellbeing for all,” he said.

“Of course, companies should not be pushed into losses. But, at the same time, profit cannot be the only consideration. The country cannot focus solely on maximising profit while ignoring the people’s welfare.”

At a press conference later, federal territories minister Hannah Yeoh said the replacement homes would be completed before the existing longhouses are demolished to avoid displacing residents.

She also announced that an existing temple site would be retained and officially zoned as a non-Muslim place of worship with an allocation of RM100,000 approved for its upkeep.

Yeoh added that Anwar had asked Kuala Lumpur mayor Fadlun Mak Ujud to consider incentives for the developer.

The Federal Court in April 2023 denied Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) appeal to reinstate the proposed Taman Rimba Kiara development project after finding that the land’s use was improperly changed from a public park to a mixed development.

The project was to feature eight blocks of high-end serviced apartments — including a 29-storey block comprising 350 affordable housing units for families living in temporary housing in the area.

When the Federal Court upheld the ruling that struck down the development approval, the Cabinet stated that DBKL must build permanent housing for the families.