SHAH ALAM: The K2K programme, aimed at enhancing support to public housing communities and building management to solve social, economic and physical challenges, has been expanded to Selangor, covering a wider area of the Klang Valley.
Initially started in Kuala Lumpur, K2K looks into four critical areas, namely, community empowerment, community co-management, improved income generation and policy reform to increase the liveability of public housing among the urban poor.
Officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the programme launch was also attended by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Local Government Development Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, Selangor Housing, Urban Wellbeing and Entrepreneurs Development executive councillor Rodziah Ismail, Selangor State Secretary Haris bin Kasim, Shah Alam City Council Mayor Dr Nor Fuad Ahmad and representatives from local agencies, foundations, civil society partners and the community at PPR Hicom Kampung Baru.
Amirudin Shari said: “I'm delighted to see Think City's initiatives, which were meant to help people weather the Covid-19 storm has evolved to something bigger and more long-term, with support from the private sector and non-profit organisations. The K2K programme has stood the test of time in helping to empower communities by building community leaders. This is yet another example of the Selangor State Government's unrelenting commitment to transform the nature of public housing from being viewed as cheap and undesirable, to a place where communities can not only gain access to liveable affordable housing but also live with dignity.”
Think City managing director Hamdan Abdul Majeed added: “In line with Malaysia Madani, today’s launch emphasises a shared vision for a more equitable, inclusive, resilient and prosperous public housing communities, and a shared responsibility to achieve more equitable outcomes responsive to the needs and aspirations of the communities.
“As we work to implement these initiatives in the immediate future, we hope to shape a democratic and sustainable path based on trust with the public housing communities, our networks and partnerships to jointly implement comprehensive programmes where it matters most. These efforts are also in tandem with our holding company Khazanah's focus on the Advancing Malaysia strategy, to deliver societal and economic value and impact to the Malaysian community.”
The K2K programme will be led by community leaders and community-based organisations while supported by Think City in collaboration with other participating partners and NGOs. It will also be strengthened by an inter-governmental committee that will involve various public and private stakeholders to accelerate coordination and implementation in the spirit of Malaysia Madani and to benefit the public housing communities.
Perwacom Prihatin community organisation secretary Noor Hayati Ismail shared key insights into the real-life challenges and plight of the people in public housing.
“A comprehensive approach is required in transitioning public housing from a poverty trap into a place of prosperity. We need to jointly reform public housing to progress in tandem with the changing circumstances of urban living and the aspirations of our new generation. Public housing is a home where our children can dream of having a better life for their children and their children’s children.” said Noor Hayati.
Over the last decade, Think City, an impact organisation in making cities more people-friendly, resilient and liveable, has worked on improving Malaysian cities across diverse areas for all urban residents, especially the most vulnerable members of society. For more information about Kita-Untuk-Kita, please visit www.thinkcity.com.my/r2c.
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