KLANG, 28 June 2023 - The Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) achieved a significant milestone today with the groundbreaking ceremony of the Centralised Labour Quarters (CLQ) in Bandar Sultan Suleiman, marking the commencement of the Laman Lestari development project. The event was officiated by Selangor Menteri Besar, YAB Dato’ Seri Amirudin bin Shari, and attended by Chief Executive Officer of PKNS, Dato’ Mahmud Abbas.
During the event, PKNS signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Inter Great Sdn Bhd and PKNS FM Integrated Sdn Bhd, further solidifying state development corporation’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant and sustainable living environment for migrant workers within Selangor. The MoU was witnessed by YAB Dato’ Seri Amirudin.
Dato’ Mahmud emphasised PKNS's unwavering commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable living environment for migrant workers in Selangor, “The groundbreaking ceremony of Laman Lestari in Bandar Sultan Suleiman marks a significant milestone in realising our vision and ensuring the welfare and quality of life for these workers,” he said.
At the heart of PKNS's long-term strategy to provide quality accommodation for migrant workers, the CLQ in Bandar Sultan Suleiman is expected to elevate the living conditions for these workers. The project, estimated to be completed in three years, with the award date set for 2024 and the certificate of completion expected in 2028, will occupy a land area of 4.35 acres and feature 336 fully furnished units. These units will be equipped with essential amenities such as light fixtures, fans, electric stoves, tables and chairs, beds, mattresses, pillows, and lockers, ensuring a comfortable living experience.
Each unit within the CLQ will comprise three rooms, a bathroom and a dedicated dining area. Additionally, the development will provide a range of common areas, including a food court, prayer rooms, and ample open space for indoor activities, ensuring the well-being and leisure of the workers. Laman Lestari will have a capacity to accommodate 5,712 individuals, with a maximum of 17 occupants per unit. The project is estimated to cost RM120 million in construction expenses.
To prioritise the welfare of the migrant workers, all units in the CLQ will be available for rental, with an estimated all-inclusive monthly fee of RM350 per person. This rental-based approach aligns with PKNS' commitment to a long-term strategy of maintaining the CLQs and ensuring their sustainability.
PKNS aims to address the national agenda of supporting the implementation of the Employees' Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446) by providing adequate CLQs in Selangor. By establishing the CLQ in Bandar Sultan Suleiman, PKNS is strategically catering to the needs of the concentrated factory workers in the area, serving as an asset to the industrial development of Selangor. The absence of dedicated workers' accommodations in the region has led to the current scattered living arrangements of workers in nearby flats and apartments, which this initiative seeks to address effectively.
SPV Management Co., a joint venture between Inter Great Group of Companies and PKNS FM Integrated, a subsidiary of PKNS, will assume the responsibility of managing Laman Lestari and overseeing the welfare of the workers residing in them. The completed development facility will be leased on a long-term basis to SPV Management Co., ensuring a comprehensive approach to the management and operations.
Prioritising the safety and well-being of the workers, PKNS emphasises their commitment to compliance with Act 446 throughout the construction and management of the development. The planning stage includes careful assessment, giving special consideration to the social impact, while integrating diverse amenities and facilities within the CLQs to minimise the necessity for workers to venture outside for their daily needs. To ensure utmost safety, stringent management protocols will be implemented, prioritising the welfare of the workers residing in the CLQs.
In collaboration with Inter Great Group of Companies, PKNS is dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of digitalised management services. These services encompass vital aspects such as workers' movement monitoring, prevention of document falsification, verification of workers' legal status, efficient rental management, meticulous inventory records, enhanced security services, comprehensive maintenance, and regular on-site inspections. These measures are designed to safeguard the workers and maintain adherence to regulations and protocols, fostering a secure environment within the CLQs.
Looking ahead, PKNS aims to continue building CLQs to provide comfortable accommodation for foreign workers. The corporation plans to explore potential business collaborations with Inter Great Group of Companies, with several plots of industrial land totalling approximately RM1 billion in value, subject to market conditions. These future projects aim to provide over 50,000 beds in various locations, including Shah Alam, Kota Puteri, Selangor Cyber Valley, Green Industrial Park Kota Puteri, Port Klang, and Bandar Sultan Suleiman.
As foreign labourers have played a vital role in Malaysia's development for decades, PKNS recognises the need to improve their welfare by offering comfortable accommodations and amenities. CLQs in industrial areas provide practical and economical options for employers, reducing worker turnover rates and improving overall worker performance.
