PM: Vertical schools a piece of the affordable living puzzle
He said when a kindergarten or school is located within a housing project, safety issues are addressed because parents know the whereabouts of their children, and they also save on transportation costs.
'You can save RM100 to RM200 if there is a preschool or kindergarten in your building (residential) or the building next to it.
'This allows you to have greater peace of mind and concentrate on your work, whether you are employed in the public sector or the private sector,' he said during the groundbreaking ceremony for the nation's largest affordable housing project under the Rumah Bakat Madani initiative, SkyWorld Pearlmont.
Anwar said SkyWorld Pearlmont, which will be the first to have a vertical school, would be used as an example for the rest to follow.
'From now on, developments should include a kindergarten and school in the building or in a building next to the development.
'I will have conditions for developments in Kuala Lumpur, and we will not approve if you cannot provide educational facilities,' he said.
He urged developers to come up with comprehensive development plans.
'We will approve it, and I urge developers in Kuala Lumpur to do this as well,' Anwar added.
A vertical school is a multi-storey educational building, often five to 15 storeys high, all designed specifically for densely populated urban areas with limited land.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
6 minutes ago
- The Star
GRS and Barisan electoral pact unlikely in Sabah state election
KOTA KINABALU: An electoral pact between Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Barisan Nasional in the upcoming state election is improbable, according to Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) vice president Datuk Masiung Banah. He stated that it is unlikely for GRS and its former ally-turned-adversary Barisan to form an electoral understanding now, as it would confuse voters. This response follows Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's desire for all three parties—Barisan, GRS, and Pakatan Harapan—to avoid contesting against each other in the state election. Pakatan, led by Anwar, has already established a seat-sharing formula with Barisan and is working on a similar arrangement with GRS, led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. The current political arrangement sees Pakatan candidates not being challenged by either GRS or Barisan, while GRS and Barisan are expected to contest against each other in certain seats. All three coalitions are part of the federal unity government. The ongoing localised enmity between GRS, led by Hajiji, and Sabah Barisan, led by Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, has prevented any form of electoral pact in the upcoming state election. In the 2020 snap state election, GRS and Barisan teamed up to overthrow the Warisan-Pakatan Harapan state government led by Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal. However, Barisan withdrew its support for GRS in January 2023, though Hajiji remained in power with support from Sabah Pakatan assemblymen. Sabah Barisan has stayed in opposition at the state level and is critical of Hajiji's GRS government for not fulfilling agreed promises when they joined forces in 2020. "It is impossible for an understanding to be reached between GRS and Barisan, as it will confuse voters. After all, GRS and Pakatan have already reached a consensus to continue political cooperation," Masiung stated. On Sunday (Aug 3), Anwar mentioned that efforts were underway to prevent the three coalitions from contesting against each other in the 73 state seats, despite conflicts between Barisan and GRS. Anwar admitted that achieving no clashes in all seats might be difficult but hoped discussions would lead to a solution. Masiung, however, emphasised that if cooperation among the three coalitions is necessary, they would want Hajiji to lead the seat negotiations, as Anwar stated in Tawau on May 11. He asserted that GRS would not agree with Anwar's proposal for the three coalitions to form a 'triangular' electoral pact. Masiung added that GRS and Pakatan were already collaborating well, with strong political cooperation and governance. He noted that GRS has lost confidence in Barisan-Umno, which previously criticised cooperation with GRS and Pakatan after the January 2023 coup attempt, dubbed 'Kinabalu's move.' Since then, Sabah Umno and its leaders have continued to undermine the GRS-Pakatan state government through various strategies. "Sabah Umno and Barisan Sabah have decided not to work with GRS. We hope the Prime Minister respects our position and keeps his promise to allow Hajiji to lead seat negotiations with the coalitions," he added.
New Straits Times
6 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Opposition praises Anwar's role in Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire efforts
KUALA LUMPUR: The opposition has praised Malaysia and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for brokering a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia. Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said Perikatan Nasional welcomed Malaysia's efforts to promote regional stability, particularly in resolving the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict. He described Anwar's role as host in the mediation efforts as historically significant. "I extend my congratulations. What is important is that Malaysia remains a respected sovereign nation and continues to be highly regarded as a competitive balancing power in the Southeast Asian region," he said. Hamzah also urged Malaysia to remain steadfast in advocating for global peace and to take a firm stand against all forms of cruelty and oppression. He added that geopolitical instability has both direct and indirect implications for the country, and reminded cabinet members to ensure their public statements are composed, structured and measured. Tensions between the two Asean member states escalated on May 28, following a clash between troops in the Preah Vihear area, reigniting a long-standing dispute over their 817km shared border. The fighting led to 15 deaths and displaced more than 100,000 people. On July 28, Malaysia, as the Asean chair, hosted a special meeting in Kuala Lumpur involving Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The meeting produced an encouraging outcome, as Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Malaysia-Russia ties strengthen with King's historic state visit
KUALA LUMPUR: The state visit of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, to Russia at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin signals a significant step forward in bilateral relations between the two nations. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that the visit, scheduled from August 5 to 10, will enhance cooperation in trade, investment, education, and technology. Anwar stated, 'Malaysia has the potential to attract new investments and advanced technologies from Russia, particularly in the fields of energy, aerospace, defence, and smart agriculture, in line with the MADANI Economy framework that emphasises competitiveness, sustainability, and shared prosperity.' The Prime Minister noted that the visit underscores the monarchy's diplomatic role, reinforcing Malaysia's reputation as a neutral and progressive nation. This marks the first state visit by a Malaysian Head of State to Russia since diplomatic ties began in 1967. Anwar added, 'This reflects His Majesty's role as a symbol of national unity and a strategic contributor to strengthening Malaysia's international relations.' The Prime Minister attended the royal send-off ceremony at the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Subang. Russia ranks as Malaysia's ninth-largest trading partner in Europe and 28th globally, with bilateral trade valued at RM11.46 billion (USD2.48 billion) in 2024. From January to June 2025, trade between the two nations reached RM4.13 billion (USD945.7 million). - Bernama
