KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 2 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for the expedited refurbishment of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) quarters at Sungai Besi Land to enable the area to be prepared for housing purposes.
The Prime Minister said he has already discussed the matter with the chairman of Sungai Besi Land Steering Committee Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican, as well as Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh during his visit today.
"I have asked Tan Sri Hassan and also the mayor, (as well as) Hannah Yeoh to expedite the restoration so that we can prepare for the housing.” he said during his visit to the RMAF quarters today.
The development of the 20.23 hectare (50-acre) Malay reserve land within Bandar Malaysia is being planned to align with the government’s broader vision of transforming the area into a vibrant international business hub.
The strategy emphasises a balanced and inclusive urban model, incorporating clustered residential zones in close proximity to key community facilities such as mosques, alongside integrated developments guided by the principles of Malaysia MADANI.
In addition, the plan seeks to position the area as a cultural tourism destination by showcasing Malay heritage, while ensuring that economic, social and cultural elements are cohesively embedded within the overall masterplan.
Meanwhile, KLCC Development Sdn Bhd’s head, Wan Shamilah Wan Muhammad Saidi, said the project involves refurbishing two former RMAF apartment blocks consisting of 160 units or 80 units per block.
"This is the Prime Minister's visit to see the first parcel of Malay reserve land in Sungai Besi Land. We have a commitment of 50 acres, this is the first 10 acres,” she said.
Site work has already commenced, with land clearing completed, indicating active progress on the ground, she said.
“The refurbishment phase is underway, aligning with the planned timeline toward a 2027 occupancy target,” she said after the visit today.
Based on earlier information, this first phase would deliver 160 residential units with an average unit size of 1,267.8 square feet, specifically catering to young Malay professionals in Kuala Lumpur.
To maintain the highest standards of execution and design, the development is governed by the Sungai Besi Land Steering Committee.
The masterplan selection followed a rigorous, two-stage international design competition judged by a 15-member International Master Jury.
The panel blended international expertise and local insight, led by Mohd Hassan as chairman alongside Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif (property advisor to Petronas, former United Nations-Habitat executive director, and former mayor of Kuala Lumpur), together with key representatives from both the private and public sectors.
-- BERNAMA