PM Anwar vows to fast‑track UM hostel project, says no leakages or wastage allowed

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants the Universiti Malaya (UM) Student Residence project to serve as a model for development management that is clean, efficient, and free from leakages or the wastage of public funds.

He said the implementation of this project must draw lessons from the shortcomings of past project management which led to cost overruns, delays, and abandoned construction sites ultimately resulting in losses for the nation.

“How much national funding has been wasted or lost due to poor management? Therefore, vice-chancellor, ensure that UM and this Student Residence project become an example for other agencies to emulate.

“You can do a great job, a clean job, an incorruptible job, and one carried out with full dedication. This is a real challenge for us,” he said during his inaugural address at the launch of the UM Student Residence project here today.

Also present were Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir and his deputy, Adam Adli Abd Halim; Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar; and UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman.

Anwar said the project in question is a major responsibility that must be carried out with full dedication, requiring the commitment of all involved parties to ensure it is completed according to plan.

He noted that the issue of “leakages” (inefficiencies or losses) does not stem from differences in race, region, or social class; rather, it is linked to dishonest conduct that undermines the national interest.

Consequently, the Prime Minister said he would personally oversee the project’s implementation. He also expressed his desire for it to be completed ahead of the original 2030 schedule, aiming to address the issue of student accommodation specifically the rising cost of house rentals in areas surrounding universities.

To ensure the project is expedited, Anwar said he has directed all government machinery including government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs) to prioritise this initiative.

“This is a priority project for us that must be completed quickly. When you (Azuan) say it will be ready by 2030, I say no. This is a new, efficient Madani government. We will work to ensure it is accelerated,” he said.

The implementation of the UM Student Residence Development Project supports the government’s agenda as announced in the 2027 Budget to address student accommodation needs through infrastructure that is better planned, comfortable, and aligned with current requirements.

Designed to accommodate 40,000 students, the project will be executed in phases: Phase One will cater to 10,000 students, followed by Phase Two, which will provide additional capacity for another 30,000 students.

The residences will offer four categories of accommodation: ‘Standard’ (five rooms for 10 residents), ‘Standard Premium’ (three rooms for six residents), ‘Apartment’ (two rooms for three residents), and ‘Studio’ (for a single resident). All units are planned to be equipped with air-conditioning.

The project is based on a ‘community living’ concept, integrating residential functions with spaces for social interaction and community activities. This aims to foster an environment that encourages character development, social connections, and a sense of togetherness, thereby enriching the students’ overall experience throughout their studies.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Higher Education Adam Adli Abd Halim, speaking to reporters after the event, expressed hope that this initiative would serve as a long-term, sustainable solution to issues concerning student accommodation.

He said the government is committed to ensuring the project proceeds smoothly through a ‘fast-track’ approach, without compromising on integrity or established management procedures.

“This project begins at UM, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), with a second phase to follow. I believe we can expand this programme to other universities as well,” he said.

Earlier, in his speech, Azuan said the development of the Student Residences (*Residensi Siswa*) reflects the university’s commitment to prioritising student welfare, alongside its efforts to strengthen academic and research excellence.

“We cannot speak of excellence in higher education without addressing the realities of student life. The need for comfortable, safe, and affordable housing must be a core priority in the university’s development agenda.

“Through the Student Residences, UM aims to ensure that campus development is not focused solely on academic infrastructure, but also delivers tangible benefits to the daily lives of its students,” he said. — Bernama