UDA Builds Over 1,400 Affordable Homes In KL

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- UDA Holdings Bhd (UDA) continues to strengthen its role as a leader in property development and asset management by successfully developing 1,402 affordable housing units around the capital.

Its interim president and chief executive officer, Azrudyn Rashid said that out of this total, 700 units have been completed, including 206 units at Legasi Kampong Bharu and 494 units at Residensi Akasia Jubilee, while another 702 units at Residensi Akasia Raya are currently under construction and are expected to be completed in 2029.

He said the alignment of reasonable prices, strategic locations, and comfortable living spaces makes UDA's offerings remain relevant to youth, first-time homebuyers and urban workers.

From a market perspective, UDA's offering is clearly competitive at around RM370 per square foot (sq ft) compared to surrounding projects with an average price of approximately RM592 per sq ft.

"This principle remains aligned with our mandate to balance commercial sustainability with social responsibility," he said while speaking at the key handover ceremony for the Residensi Akasia Jubilee here today.

His speech was read by UDA acting group chief financial officer and corporate services Farizal Zainudin.

Also present at the event were the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa and Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud.

Azrudyn said Residensi Akasia Jubilee is UDA's second affordable housing project in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, after Legasi Kampong Bharu, with units spanning 814 sq ft and equipped with facilities such as a futsal court, multi-purpose hall, children's playground, surau and others.

At the same time, Azrudyn said the development of phase two, namely Residensi Akasia Raya, located next to the project, will further increase the supply of affordable homes in Kuala Lumpur.

"Fifty per cent of the units have been sold, and the remaining 50 per cent (351 units) are open to civil servants through UDA's collaboration with the Malaysian Civil Service Housing (PPAM) scheme, with financing rates as low as RM240,000.

"This initiative reflects UDA's concern that civil servants should also have the opportunity to own quality housing in strategic locations in Kuala Lumpur," he said.

UDA is also developing Dedaun Residensi in Bandar Tun Hussein Onn, comprising modern apartments ranging from 850 to 1,160 sq ft, with prices starting from RM447,888. The development is equipped with facilities such as a swimming pool, gymnasium, multi-purpose hall and EV charging stations.

Meanwhile, Dr. Zaliha, in her opening remarks, said that the offering of affordable homes such as Residensi Akasia Jubilee is part of the government's commitment to ensuring the well-being of the people through the Malaysia MADANI aspiration.

At the same time, she emphasised that housing development in urban areas must take into account adequate basic amenities not only to increase worker productivity but also to determine families' access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities.

She said the requirement demands cooperation from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) along with other ministries, including the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Health (MOH), to avoid siloed planning.

"Mapping needs to be carried out to ensure there is no imbalance in the need for these basic facilities," he said.

Today's event also saw the handover of keys to the owners of Residensi Akasia Jubilee, which offers 494 residential units spanning 814 sq ft, priced at RM300,000, lower than the average housing project in the surrounding area.

-- BERNAMA