The federal government is studying a proposal to build housing projects above railway stations as part of its strategy to tackle traffic congestion in urban areas. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the plan, currently being reviewed with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), includes both public and commercial housing, with regulatory amendments underway to support the initiative.

“This means the project would be built above the railway station. Not all units will be public housing—some will be commercial—but this is among the measures to ease congestion,” he said at the Ilmuan Malaysia Madani forum hosted by the Higher Education Ministry.

Beyond Kuala Lumpur, Anwar highlighted that Penang will see a major rollout of the Kota Madani development, involving 10,000 housing units in Seberang Jaya and Batu Kawan. These will feature integrated vertical schools, clinics, and fire stations, designed to create self-sufficient communities and reduce dependence on transport.

“This way, people don’t have to bear transportation costs. If services are nearby, the MRT becomes viable because people will actually use it,” he explained.

In Putrajaya, similar vertical school concepts will be introduced. Schools will be constructed above residential spaces, with safety and design as top priorities. Anwar noted that these schools will have dedicated lifts and underground parking, with garden spaces on the residential level. “From level 14, one can walk down to the kindergarten or school,” he said.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who was also present, said his ministry and the Ministry of Housing and Local Government are reviewing a plan to reduce or eliminate parking spaces in residential flats near railway stations. He said the move could lower housing costs and promote greater use of public transport, though policy amendments are still in progress.

Also in attendance were Prasarana Malaysia Bhd president and group CEO Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah, and Universiti Putra Malaysia vice-chancellor Datuk Professor Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah.