Anwar pushes for faster completion of Universiti Malaya student housing

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has directed that the first phase of Universiti Malaya's Residensi Siswa student housing be completed before its 2030 target. The project, planned to house up to 40,000 students, will be monitored personally by Anwar and prioritised by government-linked entities.

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 16): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants the first phase of Universiti Malaya's (UM) Residensi Siswa development completed ahead of the 2030 target cited at its launch, as the government seeks to address student accommodation needs and rising rentals around universities.

The first phase is planned to accommodate 10,000 students, followed by another 30,000 in the second phase, bringing the development's total planned capacity to up to 40,000 students. According to Bernama on Thursday (Oct 15), Anwar said he would personally monitor the project and had directed government machinery, including government-linked companies and government-linked investment companies, to prioritise its implementation.

“This is a priority project for us that must be completed quickly. When you say it will be ready by 2030, I say no,” he said at the launch. The launch reports did not specify a revised completion date. The official Budget 2027 speech had put phase one's completion in 2031.

The Star reported that Anwar would raise the matter at the Cabinet meeting on Oct 16 and direct the Finance Ministry, Higher Education Ministry, Kuala Lumpur City Hall and other relevant agencies to coordinate and expedite the necessary approvals. UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said PBLT Sdn Bhd would undertake the first phase, while the second would involve collaboration with Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) and Sime Darby Property Bhd.

PBLT, which specialises in property and infrastructure development, is owned by the Minister of Finance Inc. MRCB is a property and construction group, while Sime Darby Property is a property developer. The launch reports did not specify the development cost, proposed accommodation charges or detailed division of responsibilities among the companies.

Anwar said faster implementation must not come at the expense of quality, transparency or accountability. He also warned against the cost overruns, delays and wastage associated with poorly managed public projects. Berita Harian reported that companies unable to meet the required work and delivery standards would be replaced.

Anwar also called for land matters to be settled and for the development's planning and design to provide adequate facilities, a suitable living environment, and cultural and architectural elements. The residences are planned with four accommodation categories: standard units with five rooms for 10 residents, Standard Premium units with three rooms for six residents, apartments with two rooms for three residents, and studios for individual occupants. All four categories are planned to include air-conditioning.

The development will adopt a community living concept, combining accommodation with shared spaces for social interaction and activities. The Sun reported that Anwar also reiterated plans to disclose student housing project details from next year, once the necessary framework is finalised. These would include project costs, contractors and implementation schedules, allowing students and the public to assess progress. Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim said the government would pursue a fast-track approach without compromising integrity or established management procedures.