The resolution of the Bukit Kiara Longhouse housing crisis underscores the government's determination to tackle societal problems promptly rather than defer them to future administrations, according to Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the permanent housing development at the site in Kuala Lumpur on June 15.
Under the scheme, qualifying households will each obtain two new residential units at no cost, providing direct assistance to low-income urban dwellers. Ramanan, who represents Sungai Buloh in Parliament, noted that the Prime Minister's decision sends a powerful message that the administration will not postpone delivering fairness to its citizens.
The announcement also included an additional RM1 million allocation from the Prime Minister to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for maintaining the area over the next three years. Despite the project's relatively modest scope, Ramanan stressed that its transformative effect on residents who have endured decades of uncertainty is substantial.
The longhouse residents had pursued resolution for more than 40 years, with formal legal action commencing in 2018 through their representatives. This more equitable outcome was achieved while safeguarding Taman Rimba Kiara's conservation status, avoiding conflict with earlier controversial development proposals for the area.
