Ipoh: Mega projects to be implemented in the country must incorporate culture, civilisation, and new technology for the benefit of the nation and the people, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar expressed concerns that in the pursuit of development, developers sometimes blindly adopt ideas from abroad, which may not align with local climate, societal values, and culture. "That is why our new development must take into account these aspects as well as the needs of the people," he stated. Anwar criticized the concept of development that only seeks to impress without providing substantial benefits, emphasizing that a MADANI nation must prioritize cultural and technological upliftment for the people and the nation.

During the groundbreaking ceremony of the Ipoh Sentral Project, attended by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and Transport Minister Anthony Loke, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of mega complexes meeting current societal needs. Anwar questioned the adequacy of mega projects in providing for all societal segments, emphasizing the necessity for inclusive housing solutions across income groups. He stressed that workers involved in these projects should not be marginalized to remote areas.

Furthermore, Anwar addressed the tendency of some developers to prioritize luxury developments for the wealthy while neglecting affordable housing needs. In Kuala Lumpur, he noted, mega developments often cater to high-income earners, pushing public housing to less strategic locations. Anwar criticized the double standards in land allocation, where public housing in congested areas faces opposition, yet indiscriminate land seizure goes unchallenged.

Additionally, the Prime Minister underscored the need for educational facilities to be integrated into mega project plans. Anwar cited a recent incident in Kuala Lumpur where he had to reprimand developers and officials for inadequate school planning, highlighting overcrowding issues in existing schools. He stressed the importance of providing sufficient educational infrastructure for pupils from lower-income families to ensure their well-being and development.