DEVELOPMENT on Malay reserve land should not be viewed as an impediment, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar said.
Instead, more people should view projects carried out on the land as avenues towards development for the common good of all, Wahid said yesterday after a signing ceremony between KPJ Healthcare Bhd and Pelaburan Hartanah Bhd (PHB) and Nadayu Properties Sdn Bhd to build KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital II.
“Across the country, there are many pockets of Malay reserve land that have been viewed as impediments to development in the past. For example, three entities combined the resources to develop a 300-bed high-end hospital that will serve the people here in terms of quality healthcare services and attract healthcare tourism as well.
“It is possible to not just look at residential developments, but also commercial developments (on reserve land). Across the Klang Valley, we have Malay reserve land in Kajang, Cheras, Rawang and this (KPJ deal) will open the eyes of many people of the possibilities for Malay reserve land, he added.
On the latest developments in Kampung Baru, Wahid said he will let the relevant people speak on its status.
“I am sure Perbadanan Pembangunan Kampung Baru will come up with some updates soon as internally they have shared with me some of their plans. It is up to them to make the necessary announcements,” Wahid said.
The hospital project is slated to begin next year on 1.13ha in Bukit Lanjan and is expected to be completed in 2018. It will be developed by Nadayu and then sold to PHB, which in turn will lease it to KPJ for 15 years, with an option to lease for an additional 15 years.
KPJ managing director Datuk Amiruddin Abdul Satar said the proposed 300-bed hospital (with 460,000 sq ft gross floor area) will be equipped with modern facilities.
“Our collaboration with PHB is a right move forward since we are ensured that the proposed project will be delivered on time. We are also of the view that this venture will benefit KPJ since PHB is a trusted and reputable property owner,” Amiruddin said.
By 2018, KPJ plans to set up 10 hospitals by adding two hospitals nationwide per year.
PHB managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Kamalul Ariffin Othman said the hospital will serve the growing population in Sungai Penchala, Damansara, Bandar Utama, Mont Kiara, Sri Hartamas and Kepong.
“PHB will invest RM368 million in this hospital project,” he added.
PHB has land banks that measure more than 405ha, mostly commercial land, scattered all over the Klang Valley.
The hospital project is its first foray into reserve land development.
