Latest news with #11thMalaysiaPlan
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Govt identifies REE as strategic mineral source, to pursue responsible mining, says Johari
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has identified rare earth elements (REE) as a strategic mineral resource with significant economic potential, says Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. However, the acting Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister emphasised that any development must be carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner. 'To realise this potential, the REE industry must be developed across the entire value chain, from upstream to midstream and downstream, consistent with the policy framework outlined in the National Mineral Policy 3 (NMP3). 'However, this must be done responsibly and sustainably,' he said in a parliamentary written reply on Monday (July 28). He was responding to Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam), who had asked the ministry to state its stance on REE mining in Malaysia and to explain the studies which encouraged the government to promote such activities, as well as how public concerns over pollution, water safety, technological capacity and public health would be addressed. Johari said a study under the 11th Malaysia Plan found that inferred REE resources in the country amounted to an estimated 16.1 million metric tonnes. However, further studies are required to determine the volume of measured resources and, subsequently, extractable reserves. 'A follow-up review by the Minerals and Geoscience Department (JMG) identified an estimated 144,220 hectares of land outside Permanent Forest Reserves (HSK) with potential for REE mining, subject to further evaluation and necessary approvals,' he added. To ensure that mining activities are conducted safely and sustainably, Johari said JMG, as the lead technical agency, will regulate operations under the Mineral Development Act 1994. This includes pollution control and periodic safety inspections. 'In Perak, for example, regulatory mechanisms have been strengthened through the establishment of the State Technical Regulatory Committee on REE Mining, which involves 10 technical agencies at both federal and state levels,' he said. Johari added that the ministry has commissioned the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) to carry out an impact assessment of REE mining on forest ecosystems. This includes preliminary studies of a mining project in Mukim Kenering, Perak, where REE extraction was carried out within a rubber plantation, he added. On technology, Johari said the project in Mukim Kenering currently uses the in-situ leaching (ISL) method with technological cooperation from China. Nevertheless, he said the ministry aims to build local expertise in upstream and midstream activities through strategic and progressive technology-sharing initiatives. 'The government is committed to balancing economic potential with public concerns, particularly regarding pollution risks, water safety, public health and local technological capability,' he said.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Govt identifies sites with rare earth mining potential
KUALA LUMPUR: An estimated 144,220 hectares of land outside permanent forest reserves (PFR) have the potential to be developed into rare earth element (REE) mines. Acting Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said this is based on a review by the Minerals and Geoscience Department (JMG). "Based on studies under the 11th Malaysia Plan, the JMG identified inferred REE resources amounting to 16.1 million metric tonnes. "However, further studies are still needed to determine the quantity of measured resources and eventually, mineable reserves. "A further review by JMG estimated approximately 144,220 hectares of land outside PFR as having potential to be developed into REE mines, subject to further assessment and relevant approvals," he said in a written parliamentary reply. He added that the REE industry must be developed across the entire value chain, encompassing upstream, midstream, and downstream levels in line with the policy framework outlined in the National Mineral Policy 3 in a responsible and sustainable manner. He said to ensure REE mining operations are conducted safely, sustainably, and responsibly, JMG, as the main technical agency will regulate mining activities through the enforcement of the Mineral Development Act 1994, including pollution control and operational safety monitoring on a periodic basis. "Taking Perak as a regulatory model, this oversight is further strengthened by the establishment of the Perak State REE Mining Technical Regulatory Committee, which involves collaboration from 10 technical agencies at both the federal and state levels," he said. He added that the ministry has also appointed the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) to conduct an environmental impact assessment study on REE mining on forest ecosystems. This includes preliminary studies conducted at the REE mining project in Mukim Kenering, Perak, where REE extraction takes place on a rubber plantation. "In terms of technology, the current REE mining project in Mukim Kenering, Gerik, Perak, is being carried out using in-situ leaching (ISL) methods in collaboration with Chinese technology partners. "However, it is the ministry's policy to encourage the development of local expertise, particularly in the upstream and midstream sectors, through structured and progressive technology-sharing initiatives. "The government is committed to ensuring that the development of this industry strikes a balance between economic potential and public concerns including pollution risks, water source safety, public health, and local technological capacity," he said. Johari said the government would continue efforts through collaboration and partnerships with various stakeholders to ensure the development of Malaysia's REE industry achieves the goals of economic prosperity, societal well-being, and environmental sustainability. He was responding to Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam) who asked the ministry's position on REE, findings of studies that led to the ministry's decision to encourage REE mining activities, and how the ministry is balancing public concerns regarding pollution risks, technological limitations, water source safety, and public health in the interest of the public.
The Sun
14-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
Time to reimagine our social housing
IT is true what they say, housing is a human right. Social media is replete with cases of homeless people. It is a global crisis. Even developed economies are not spared. Affordable housing is not just about providing shelter; it is about restoring dignity, nurturing communities and offering people a fair shot at a better life. It has long been a cornerstone issue for urban poverty alleviation in Malaysia. The Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) was created with noble intentions – to house the urban poor and ensure that no one is left behind in the country's march towards progress. Yet, after decades, it is clear that the system needs more than just incremental tweaks; it requires a bold reimagination. Today, Malaysia's affordable housing policies primarily focus on the direct provision of social housing, with the government taking responsibility for constructing and/or owning most units. This includes subsidised housing initiatives like PR1MA and various subsidised financing schemes. Additionally, supportive regulatory measures, such as inclusionary zoning, require developers to allocate a portion of their projects for affordable housing as a condition for development approval. As introduced in the 11th Malaysia Plan, it is helpful to categorise affordable housing measures based on their target groups, namely, households in the bottom 40% income bracket (B40) and those in the middle 40% (M40). In terms of relative need, B40 households are particularly vulnerable to housing affordability challenges. As a result, many initiatives are focused on rental support, although selective homeownership schemes are also available. Across Malaysia, many PPR flats tell a troubling story – broken lifts, poorly maintained corridors, clogged sewage systems and unsafe communal areas have become all too common. These are not just technical failures but reflect a deeper issue of how society perceives and treats its most vulnerable citizens. More worrying is the social stigma attached to PPR housing. Residents of these flats often find themselves socially and economically segregated from the city's mainstream. Job opportunities, quality education, healthcare and safe recreational spaces remain largely out of reach. The result is a vicious cycle of poverty and exclusion that no number of new housing blocks alone can solve. The good news is that Malaysia has the opportunity to fix this – if we are willing to be bold. Firstly, we must move beyond isolated housing projects to integrated, mixed-income communities. The idea is simple. When affordable units are built alongside market-rate homes, schools, shops and parks, everyone benefits – social divides narrow, stigma fades and opportunities grow. Secondly, it is time to involve future residents in the design and management of their homes. Who better to tell us what works in a community than the people who will live there? Participatory planning and resident management committees can empower communities and foster a sense of ownership. We must also see social housing as more than just a roof over one's head. Urban farming plots, community workshops, vocational training centres and local entrepreneurship hubs should be part of every PPR estate. Housing should be a platform for social mobility, not a dead end. Equally important is consolidating the maze of overlapping authorities that govern housing in Malaysia. A single, well-resourced urban housing council could coordinate policies, leverage data for smarter planning and hold stakeholders accountable. Lastly, sustainability must be at the heart of the next generation of affordable housing. Energy-efficient designs, rooftop solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems and green communal spaces are not luxuries. They are investments that lower costs for the poor and contribute to national climate goals. This is a moral imperative. How we house the most vulnerable among us will say a great deal about the values we uphold as a society. As Malaysia aims to become a high-income, inclusive nation, reimagining social housing is not a side issue. It is a central test of our social conscience and policy maturity. The time for cosmetic fixes is over. We must be brave enough to rethink, rebuild and reinvest in our urban poor. Only then can we build cities that truly leave no one behind. Reimagining social housing in Malaysia is not just about erecting more concrete blocks; it is about crafting urban spaces that restore dignity, enabling upward mobility and breaking cycles of poverty. House designers must come forward to offer designs and concepts. This is what nation-building is all about. As Malaysia aspires to become a high-income and inclusive nation, affordable housing must be seen as an investment in human capital and social cohesion, not merely a social welfare cost.
The Sun
14-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
Rethinking social housing to uplift Malaysia's urban poor
IT is true what they say, housing is a human right. Social media is replete with cases of homeless people. It is a global crisis. Even developed economies are not spared. Affordable housing is not just about providing shelter; it is about restoring dignity, nurturing communities and offering people a fair shot at a better life. It has long been a cornerstone issue for urban poverty alleviation in Malaysia. The Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) was created with noble intentions – to house the urban poor and ensure that no one is left behind in the country's march towards progress. Yet, after decades, it is clear that the system needs more than just incremental tweaks; it requires a bold reimagination. Today, Malaysia's affordable housing policies primarily focus on the direct provision of social housing, with the government taking responsibility for constructing and/or owning most units. This includes subsidised housing initiatives like PR1MA and various subsidised financing schemes. Additionally, supportive regulatory measures, such as inclusionary zoning, require developers to allocate a portion of their projects for affordable housing as a condition for development approval. As introduced in the 11th Malaysia Plan, it is helpful to categorise affordable housing measures based on their target groups, namely, households in the bottom 40% income bracket (B40) and those in the middle 40% (M40). In terms of relative need, B40 households are particularly vulnerable to housing affordability challenges. As a result, many initiatives are focused on rental support, although selective homeownership schemes are also available. Across Malaysia, many PPR flats tell a troubling story – broken lifts, poorly maintained corridors, clogged sewage systems and unsafe communal areas have become all too common. These are not just technical failures but reflect a deeper issue of how society perceives and treats its most vulnerable citizens. More worrying is the social stigma attached to PPR housing. Residents of these flats often find themselves socially and economically segregated from the city's mainstream. Job opportunities, quality education, healthcare and safe recreational spaces remain largely out of reach. The result is a vicious cycle of poverty and exclusion that no number of new housing blocks alone can solve. The good news is that Malaysia has the opportunity to fix this – if we are willing to be bold. Firstly, we must move beyond isolated housing projects to integrated, mixed-income communities. The idea is simple. When affordable units are built alongside market-rate homes, schools, shops and parks, everyone benefits – social divides narrow, stigma fades and opportunities grow. Secondly, it is time to involve future residents in the design and management of their homes. Who better to tell us what works in a community than the people who will live there? Participatory planning and resident management committees can empower communities and foster a sense of ownership. We must also see social housing as more than just a roof over one's head. Urban farming plots, community workshops, vocational training centres and local entrepreneurship hubs should be part of every PPR estate. Housing should be a platform for social mobility, not a dead end. Equally important is consolidating the maze of overlapping authorities that govern housing in Malaysia. A single, well-resourced urban housing council could coordinate policies, leverage data for smarter planning and hold stakeholders accountable. Lastly, sustainability must be at the heart of the next generation of affordable housing. Energy-efficient designs, rooftop solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems and green communal spaces are not luxuries. They are investments that lower costs for the poor and contribute to national climate goals. This is a moral imperative. How we house the most vulnerable among us will say a great deal about the values we uphold as a society. As Malaysia aims to become a high-income, inclusive nation, reimagining social housing is not a side issue. It is a central test of our social conscience and policy maturity. The time for cosmetic fixes is over. We must be brave enough to rethink, rebuild and reinvest in our urban poor. Only then can we build cities that truly leave no one behind. Reimagining social housing in Malaysia is not just about erecting more concrete blocks; it is about crafting urban spaces that restore dignity, enabling upward mobility and breaking cycles of poverty. House designers must come forward to offer designs and concepts. This is what nation-building is all about. As Malaysia aspires to become a high-income and inclusive nation, affordable housing must be seen as an investment in human capital and social cohesion, not merely a social welfare cost. Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Ibrahim is affiliated with the Tan Sri Omar Centre for STI Policy Studies at UCSI University and is an associate fellow at the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya. Comments: letters@
Focus Malaysia
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Poor housing conditions perpetuate urban poverty in Malaysia
Letter to Editor IT IS true what they say, housing is a human right. The social media is replete with cases of homeless people. It is a global crisis. Even developed economies are not spared. Affordable housing is not just about providing shelter. It is about restoring dignity, nurturing communities, and offering people a fair shot at a better life. It has long been a cornerstone issue for urban poverty alleviation in Malaysia. The Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) was created with noble intentions, which were to house the urban poor and ensure that no one is left behind in the country's march towards progress. Yet, after decades, it is clear that the system needs more than just incremental tweaks. It requires a bold reimagination. Today, policies for affordable housing in Malaysia are mainly focused on direct provision of social housing, where the government takes on the role of building and/or owning the bulk of housing units, subsidised housing (such as PR1MA) and subsidised financing schemes. There are also supportive regulatory measures such as inclusionary zoning, where local authorities issue development approvals conditional on having a segment of the proposed development be set aside for the building of affordable homes. As introduced in the 11th Malaysia Plan, It is useful to categorise affordable housing measures by their intended target market i.e. measures for households in the bottom 40% by income or the B40 and measures for the middle 40% of households by income or the M40. In terms of relative need, B40 households are especially vulnerable to the challenge of affording a roof over their heads and many schemes are geared more towards rental rather, though purchase schemes are also selectively offered. Across Malaysia, many PPR flats tell a troubling story. Broken lifts, poorly maintained corridors, clogged sewage systems, and unsafe communal areas have become all too common. These are not just technical failures but reflect a deeper issue of how society perceives and treats its most vulnerable citizens. More worrying is the social stigma attached to PPR addresses. Residents of these flats often find themselves socially and economically segregated from the city's mainstream. Job opportunities, quality education, healthcare, and safe recreational spaces remain largely out of reach. The result is a vicious cycle of poverty and exclusion that no number of new housing blocks alone can solve. The good news is that Malaysia has the opportunity to fix this, if we are willing to be bold. Firstly, we must move beyond isolated housing projects to integrated, mixed-income communities. The idea is simple. When affordable units are built alongside market-rate homes, schools, shops, and parks, everyone benefits. Social divides narrow, stigma fades, and opportunities grow. Secondly, it's time to involve future residents in the design and management of their homes. Who better to tell us what works in a community than the people who will live there? Participatory planning and resident management committees can empower communities and foster a sense of ownership. We must also see social housing as more than just a roof over one's head. Urban farming plots, community workshops, vocational training centres, and local entrepreneurship hubs should be part of every PPR estate. Housing should be a platform for social mobility, not a dead end. Equally important is consolidating the maze of overlapping authorities that govern housing in Malaysia. A single, well-resourced urban housing council could coordinate policies, leverage data for smarter planning, and hold stakeholders accountable. Lastly, sustainability must be at the heart of the next generation of affordable housing. Energy-efficient designs, rooftop solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and green communal spaces are not luxuries. They are investments that lower costs for the poor and contribute to national climate goals. This is a moral imperative. How we house the most vulnerable among us says a great deal about the values we uphold as a society. As Malaysia aims to become a high-income, inclusive nation, reimagining social housing is not a side issue. It is a central test of our social conscience and policy maturity. The time for cosmetic fixes is over. We must be brave enough to rethink, rebuild, and reinvest in our urban poor. Only then can we build cities that truly leave no one behind. Reimagining social housing in Malaysia is not just about erecting more concrete blocks. It's about crafting urban spaces that restore dignity, enable upward mobility, and break cycles of poverty. Those house designers out there must come forward to offer designs and concepts. This is what nation-building is all about. As Malaysia aspires to become a high-income and inclusive nation, affordable housing must be seen as an investment in human capital and social cohesion, not merely a social welfare cost. —July 6, 2025 Professor Dato Dr Ahmad Ibrahim is an associate fellow at the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Khazanah Research
