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

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to accelerate the Universiti Malaya (UM) Student Residence project, emphasizing the need for a clean, efficient, and leakage-free development. Speaking at the project's launch today, Anwar stressed that the UM project should serve as a model for other agencies to emulate, citing past project management failures that resulted in cost overruns, delays, and abandoned sites.

He vowed to personally oversee the project and accelerate its completion, aiming to finish ahead of the original 2030 schedule.

Anwar's directive to prioritize the UM Student Residence project involves mobilizing all government machinery, including government-linked companies and investment firms, to expedite the initiative. The student accommodation project is designed to accommodate 40,000 students through phased implementation: Phase One will house 10,000 students, while Phase Two will provide additional capacity for another 30,000 students.

The residences will feature four categories of accommodation: Standard, Standard Premium, Apartment, and Studio units, all equipped with air-conditioning.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Adam Adli Abd Halim, expressed optimism that the UM Student Residence project would offer a sustainable long-term solution to student accommodation issues. He reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring the project proceeds smoothly, adhering to strict integrity and management procedures. The development of the Student Residences reflects the university's dedication to prioritizing student welfare alongside academic and research excellence.