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From Boo Jia Cher
Putrajaya’s RM4 billion Madani City project promises a people-centric, walkable and sustainable city under the “Malaysia Madani” banner. On paper, it’s an inspiring vision for urban development. But scan through social media and it tells a different story. Public scepticism is widespread, and for good reason.
The project touts a pedestrian-friendly design, underground roads and 10-15 minute walkability. It’s progressive, by Malaysian standards.
But there’s one glaring flaw: Kota Madani’s isolation from mass transit.
Cut off from residents
Quickly glance at a map of where it will be located and we can see that the MRT Putrajaya Line is far from Precinct 19. Without direct, convenient public transport connections, residents will remain car-dependent.
The promise of leaving the car at home falls apart when faced with long, uncovered walks or unreliable feeder services. Instead of integration, Kota Madani risks becoming a well-designed but disconnected enclave – in theory another “walkable city”, but not in practice.
It risks following the same trajectory as Desa ParkCity: pleasant and walkable within its elite borders, yet inconvenient to access without a car, and as a result, grappling with the same traffic congestion as the rest of the Klang Valley.
Spend the money on existing areas
The need for affordable housing for civil servants is understandable. But is building a brand-new township really the best use of RM4 billion?
What if that money was channelled into retrofitting existing areas, making mature neighbourhoods near public transport truly walkable, expanding green spaces, improving public services and fixing first- and last-mile connectivity?
It can be a golden opportunity to whip local councils, many of which have been festering in inaction and mediocrity for decades, into real and measurable action. Councils must be held accountable to provide proper, people-focused infrastructure, not continue enabling the car-centric madness choking our cities.
Upgrading what already exists often delivers faster, broader benefits than starting from scratch, especially when new developments risk repeating the same old mistakes.
Political branding
Naming the project “Kota Madani” directly ties it to the prime minister’s political vision. Politicising long-term infrastructure is risky: cities outlive political cycles. When projects carry the mark of current leadership, future governments may abandon or rebrand them for political reasons.
We’ve seen slogans like Wawasan 2020, 1Malaysia or Malaysia Baharu; once ubiquitous, yet over time they faded, replaced by new political branding with each administration.
Madani will be no different. The public already dismisses “Kota Madani” as more political theatre than meaningful progress. Good urban projects should stand on their own; built to last, not propped up by slogans destined to be forgotten.
Lessons from abroad
Malaysia doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel. Proven urban strategies already exist, such as:
- Hong Kong’s rail and property model: profitable, transit-oriented development around stations funds both housing and public transport, integrating the two from the start;
- Singapore’s master planning: dense, walkable neighbourhoods are built directly along MRT lines, with seamless pedestrian and high frequency bus links;
- Tokyo’s transit hubs: multi-level walkways and integrated developments around stations reduce car use and boost quality of life;
- Seoul’s urban regeneration: projects like Cheonggyecheon show the power of investing in existing urban areas, turning soul-crushing highways into vibrant, green public spaces.
Instead of isolated townships, Malaysia must apply these models to existing urban corridors, building housing, services and infrastructure together, close to transit and jobs.
A vision in need of repair
Kota Madani, or any urban redevelopment framed around people-centric ideals, has the potential to be more than political theatre or a short-term bid for civil servant support.
However, that requires fixing its fundamental flaws. Real urban progress strengthens existing communities, connects people to opportunity and each other and prioritises lasting impact over grand announcements.
Public scepticism is loud and clear. The question is: will Madani listen? If the government wants Kota Madani to be more than an expensive illusion, it must engage, adapt and fix the cracks before a single brick is laid.
Boo Jia Cher is an FMT reader.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
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