Malaysia to leverage big data to drive housing development

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will continue to make the best use of digital technology to help regulate and manage housing developments through the Housing Integrated Management System (HIMS), says Nga Kor Ming (pic).

The Housing and Local Government Minister said the system had significantly reduced the time taken to process developers’ licenses and advertising permits, resulting in a more efficient and transparent process.

“Additionally, Malaysia has embarked on developing Big Data Analytics for housing, which will help create more effective, data-driven policies for better planning,” said Nga in his opening speech at the Asean-China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction and Housing (ACMROCH) 2024 here on Wednesday (July 3).

The ACMROCH 2024 will focus on three key aspects, namely strengthening the framework for cooperation in housing and urban development; advancing technology, innovation and green construction for sustainability and efficiency as well as developing climate-resilient cities by accelerating local and regional climate actions.

With the theme “Building Sustainable Futures: Deepening Asean-China Cooperation in Housing and Urban Development for Shared Prosperity”, the roundtable will take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from July 3 to 5.

Nga also said that providing adequate and affordable housing is his ministry’s main priority.

“Under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) we are set to build 500,000 units of affordable houses. To date, we have surpassed half of the target (57.8%) and will continue to deliver,” said Nga.

Citing the People’s Housing Project (PPR) initiative, Nga said that his ministry had completed a total 101,516 units of affordable houses for the lower-income group.

“This commitment is ongoing. Under the Budget 2024, 19 new PPR projects are being built including 6,006 units that will benefit approximately 24,000 low-income households.

“We are now embarking on a new public housing model, the People’s Residential Programme (PRR).

“The PRR is envisioned to be well integrated, sustainable and liveable, featuring green spaces, community centres and also commercial viability,” he added.

He explained that the initiative was more than providing a steady supply of houses and also offers residents a place to live, work and play.

“It will also incorporate green initiatives to ensure we abide by our commitment for energy transition and low carbon emissions,” said Nga.