Urban development in Malaysia has reached a critical juncture, where soaring property prices and unchecked high-rise projects are pushing middle- and lower-income earners further from city centers. The relentless approval of luxury condominiums by local authorities has created a housing crisis, leaving essential workers—teachers, service staff, and office employees—with no choice but to endure grueling commutes from distant suburbs. This trend reflects deeper systemic issues, including corruption in the approval process and a lack of affordable housing policies.
Developers argue that high land costs necessitate taller buildings with increased plot ratios, but the real issue lies in the hidden expenses of securing approvals. Bribes and under-the-table dealings inflate project costs, making low- and medium-cost housing financially unviable. As a result, developers focus exclusively on high-end properties priced beyond the reach of most Malaysians, catering instead to affluent locals and foreign investors. A modest three-bedroom apartment in Kuala Lumpur can easily exceed RM1.2 million—a figure far removed from the financial realities of the B40 and M40 income groups.
The consequences extend beyond housing affordability. High-density luxury developments strain urban infrastructure, requiring costly expansions of roads and public transport systems. Yet, these solutions often fail to address the root cause: poor urban planning. Wealthy condo residents rarely use public transit, relying instead on private vehicles, which exacerbates congestion. Meanwhile, local authorities justify these projects by claiming they generate revenue for public services—a flawed argument when the resulting infrastructure costs outweigh the benefits.
Ultimately, the cycle of corruption and mismanagement leaves ordinary Malaysians bearing the brunt of failed policies. Instead of investing in sustainable, affordable housing, authorities prioritize flashy high-rises and expensive transport projects that serve a privileged few. Without stricter regulations and transparency in the approval process, urban inequality will only worsen. The solution lies not in more highways or luxury condos, but in policies that prioritize equitable development for all citizens.