Is Malaysia heading the way towards micro-flats like in Hong Kong? The answer is NO, at least not yet for the next foreseeable future. There are many things which the government could still do even if the buyers prefer to buy nearer to the place they work instead of families which may buy into townships further away.
I kept reading this piece of news that I think I have to write about it. Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) says that it will be providing single people with low income in the capital city with micro housing facilities this year. It says that it is currently refurbishing an existing building along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman to be turned into a capsule hotel with residential units for them. This is what Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan said of the scheme which is targeted at the B40 group. “But once they are married, they will not be eligible for micro housing.”
The mayor shared that the rental is RM100 per month and there would be a total of 200 micro housing units for men and women. He said that this micro-housing scheme is to give back to society just like free GoKL buses while the rental fee and application method will be finalised soon. The full article in TheStar.com.my here.
I think we really need more details sooner rather than later. These micro-homes, are there security provided for the units? What about some rules and regulations. It’s for singles, but if someone were to bring another someone, is it allowed? If it is now, who will be enforcing it. If this is really aimed at the B40, then please ensure it’s near to public transport station. 200 units @ RM100 = RM20,000 per month. Has the mayor found a management company which could ensure proper maintenance of the units? I am really hoping that moving forward, maintenance becomes key to everything we do. Earlier article here. This is so that there’s a future for the programme and not just build and a few years later, rebuild and keep costing ever more money. In one word, let’s make it sustainable! Happy following.
written on 10 Jan 2019
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