KPKT – Assurance And The Learning Curve…

KPKT – Assurance And The Learning Curve…

The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) has assured housing projects nationwide will be completed on schedule despite ongoing global energy crisis.

To achieve it, a meeting will be held with stakeholders (Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (Rehda), the Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) and others) in the near future to ensure the targets are met. And the National Housing Department has been instructed to slightly relax requirements and further facilitate housing projects.

It is a laudable goal but I notice a disconnect.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) warned, ‘the largest energy security threat in history‘ is about to push oil prices further up.  The transport minister warned of ‘very, very serious’ energy crisis and urged Malaysians to plan their travel and reduce resource wastage.

Only a few months ago, the Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) highlighted mounting industry challenges such as volatile building material prices, increased operating costs and the new sales and service tax (SST) on construction services.

Can a (one) meeting with stakeholders avert the largest energy security threat in history and the mounting industry challenges?

What is particularly worrying is the instruction to slightly relax requirements. It is a very dangerous precedent as it creates a “slippery slope” where compromises turn into weaker standards. It will erode safety, ethical, or legal frameworks and will the minister be accountable.

This runs counter to Anwar who advocates for the consistent application of the rule of law and warned against “rule of the jungle” – the whims and fancies of individuals however strong you may feel you may like or dislike.

I appreciate the need to achieve KPI but let us not compromise. There are dark sides to the KPI tunnel vision and ministries must remain aligned with strategic objectives and priorities of the country.

KPKT should ensure targets are not merely aspirational but work towards measurable and auditable outcomes.

 

On KPKT’s learning curve, I would like to give my 2 sen on the establishment of a Malaysia-Cambridge Urban platform towards sustainable development under the Madani economy framework. The initiative could strengthen collaboration with leading global institutions to address urban challenges and achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

With due respect to the University of Cambridge who significantly influences urban planning in the UK with practical applications in sustainable governance and large-scale development. I think we have enough local expertise. The latter, fully understand local needs and wants including cultural preferences and social values as it is crucial for tailoring effective, sustainable and relevant initiatives.

The state of housing in major UK cities is characterised by a “perfect storm” of chronic shortages, soaring costs and degrading quality, with approximately 8.5 million in England unable to access the housing they need. More than 1.3 million households are currently stuck on waiting lists for a social home, a rise of 10% in the last two years.

More than 100,000 children are officially homeless and living in temporary accommodation in London. Tens of thousands more are in overcrowded housing. An estimated 210,000 Londoners are homeless and living in temporary accommodation i.e. around one in every 50 residents. Young couples are moving out of London to afford a family home.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting relies on high-level scores or broad statements. But stakeholders demand detailed metrics. It would do good if KPKT focus on detailed data collection methods and evolving frameworks to shape reporting credibility.

KPKT must build social transparency and reputation and take the Urban Renewal Bill as a lesson to be learned.

For the sector, KPKT must also give a deadline to MBAM to adopt modern technologies such as the Industrialised Building System (IBS) and Building Information Modelling (BIM), as well as the use of green building materials and build-then-sell schemes.

Malaysia still heavily relies on foreign labour that drives significant foreign exchange (forex) outflow through remittances.

Through my experience, stakeholders and the rakyat have been giving excellent suggestions to correct the numerous missteps and weaknesses. It is for the ministries and government to instill the political will and commitment to implement transformative policies.

The “era of government knows best” is over.

What say you…

 

Saleh Mohammed