SDG 11 – SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

SDG 11 Indicator

11.2.1 11.2.2 11.2.3 11.2.4 11.2.5 11.2.6 11.4.1 11.4.2 11.4.4 11.4.5 11.4.6 11.4.7 11.4.8 11.4.9

11.4 – Sustainable practices

11.4.7 – Local authority collaboration regarding planning and development

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) actively collaborates with local authorities to address planning and development issues, ensuring that local residents have access to affordable housing. This collaboration is evident through UKM’s adherence to guidelines set by local authorities and its proactive engagement in community development initiatives.

Compliance with Local Authority Guidelines:

  1. Adherence to Planning Regulations: UKM ensures that all campus development projects comply with the planning regulations and guidelines established by local authorities. This includes obtaining necessary approvals and permits for construction and development activities, thereby aligning with the strategic plans of the local government.
  2. Environmental Sustainability: In partnership with local authorities, UKM integrates environmental sustainability into its development projects. This includes implementing green building practices, preserving natural habitats, and promoting sustainable land use, in line with local environmental policies.

In Malaysia, based on Section 70(1) of the Street, Drainage, and Building Act 1974 (Act 133), it is stated that no party may construct a building without prior written approval from the Local Authority (PBT). Any building construction or modifications/extensions without prior approval from the PBT or construction that does not comply with the approved plan are in violation of Section 70 (Act 133). Therefore, any new building construction at UKM must obtain approval from the Kajang Municipal Council. UKM’s process involves obtaining Planning Permission, which is written consent from the Local Planning Authority (PBT) required after land use change approval and before the building plan process. The content of Planning Permission according to Act 172 is as follows:

  1. Subsection 2(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172) defines planning permission as permission granted, with or without conditions, to carry out development.
  2. Subsection 19(1) stipulates that no person, other than the local authority (PBT), may commence, undertake, or carry out any development unless planning permission for the development has been granted under Section 22 or extended under Subsection 24(3).
  3. Generally, “planning permission” is a procedure where the applicant must submit an application to the PBPT for approval before commencing any development on land or buildings, as provided under Section 21A [Development Proposal Report (LCP)] and Section 21B [Layout Plan].
  4. All developments must obtain planning permission approval from the Local Planning Authority. If development is carried out without planning permission or in contravention of the granted planning permission, the owner may be convicted under Sections 27 and 28 of Act 172. The penalty, as per Subsection 26(1), may include a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand ringgit or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both.
The image above shows the cover page of Street, Drainage, and Building Act 1974 (Act 133) that used by UKM as guideline to building construction

Source: https://www.ppj.gov.my/storage/7476/133—STREET%2C-DRAINAGE-AND-BUILDING-ACT-1974.pdf

Initiatives Supporting Affordable Housing:

  1. Employee Housing Programs: UKM offers affordable housing options for its staff, such as the Bukit Puteri residential area and rental facilities near the campus. These initiatives not only provide cost-effective living solutions for employees but also contribute to the local housing market by setting standards for affordable housing.
  2. Community Engagement: UKM collaborates with local authorities to develop community programs that address housing needs. This includes research projects focused on sustainable urban development and affordable housing solutions, benefiting both the university community and local residents.

Through these efforts, UKM demonstrates its commitment to working with local authorities to address planning and development challenges, ensuring that local residents have access to affordable housing and that development projects are conducted responsibly and sustainably.