Malaysia PM Anwar launches Kota Madani, a $1.2b smart city for civil servants

PUTRAJAYA - Kota Madani, a large-scale integrated 4 billion ringgit (S$1.21 billion) initiative to address the housing needs of 10,000 civil servants, was launched on June 26 by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The development will be fully funded and maintained by developer Putrajaya Holdings under a build-lease-maintain-transfer model.

Datuk Seri Anwar said such a city, while providing all necessary facilities, should also ensure that it is not “culturally barren”.

“The Madani concept, as we know, encompasses all aspects of human life and its environment – the relationship between man and nature,” he said at the launch.

“Only through this balance can we become ummatan wasata (a just and balanced nation). A balanced nation becomes an example to others.

“I want the Madani concept to serve as the model for urban development in all cities across our country. I urge the state authorities to closely monitor development activities.

“Look at what we can do – do not simply submit to the will of developers. We should be the ones planning; developers are merely implementers who may offer input to improve plans, not to determine the entire project.”

While not denying developers’ right to seek profits, noting that no developer would undertake a 4 billion ringgit project without expecting returns, Mr Anwar said the project must still align with Madani principles and values and be a civilised or virtuous city.

“I will bring this matter to the Cabinet level, because these projects involve government land and agencies such as the Public Private Partnership Unit (Ukas).

“A ‘Madani city’ (is) not just based on physical development and technology like New York or London, but... rooted in faith, sincerity, compassion, innovation, and sustainable value.

“The ‘Kota Madani’ concept is interesting because it emphasises sustainability and accessibility.

“Vehicles are separated or placed underground,

“People can walk easily to schools, mosques, kindergartens, gyms and community halls,

“Weather challenges like heat or rain are taken into consideration in the design.

“Urban planning should be thoughtful – this is the job of architects and city planners, not just government officers,” he said.

Earlier, in her opening speech, Federal Territories Minister Zaliha Mustafa said that with such a development, civil servants living in Kota Madani would be able to save up to 1,000 ringgit monthly.

“The beneficiaries of the development will be approximately 10,000 civil servants.

“Currently, the actual need for government quarters in Putrajaya stands at 35,000 units. However, only 22,000 units are available at present.

“This has resulted in a high demand for quarters, with 17,000 applications currently on the waiting list,” she said, adding that the number of government quarters has remained the same for 20 years.

Kota Madani will span 41.28ha and have 10,000 residential units to accommodate more than 30,000 people.

The vertically developed township will integrate artificial intelligence, high-efficiency digital infrastructure and green mobility systems, part of efforts to turn all Federal Territories into low-carbon, sustainable and secure cities. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK