Expediting land development projects
24/03/2007 NST

PUTRAJAYA: The National Council for Local Governments yesterday approved a new system to ease procedures for land development projects.

The new method, to be announced in detail by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi next month, would not only benefit the Iskandar Development Region (IDR) in Johor but all future public and private projects, including housing.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the Housing and Local Government Ministry had studied the new system in detail and all states had agreed to implement it.

"The current system takes too long. In improving the public delivery system, we will look at new methods of approval.

"This new system is a paradigm shift in processing applications for land development projects," he said, adding that the system would also help expedite the execution of high impact as well as "build and sell" projects.

Also present at the 57th NCLG meeting was Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting.

Najib, who chaired the meeting, said while the council discussed the implementation of the new system, the prime minister would explain its details on April 13.

He said for now, those involved in development projects would be asked to take procedural actions, as the new system would be executed as soon as the announcement is made.

Najib also announced the appointment of local authorities’ presidents as "building commissioners".

Their role is to manage and ensure buildings within their council’s purview were well-maintained before strata titles were issued.

Asked on the government’s move to drop quotas for Bumiputera investors in IDR, Najib said the projects needed to be attractive to foreign investors.

"The aim to fully develop this area will not be attained if we do not adopt new approaches and polices and give room to foreign investors," he said.

Najib noted that Bumiputera stakes in businesses and industries have strengthened, more so, with the role played by government-linked companies.

He added there would be opportunities for Bumiputeras to take part in developing Iskandar.

"For instance, if six five-star hotels were to be built, there may be Bumiputera companies participating ... but at the same time, foreign investors would also be able to invest there more freely."