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IN response to mounting urban population density, Malaysia is embracing the concept of vertical schools to ensure sufficient educational facilities in highly congested cities, including Kuala Lumpur, where population density has reached 8,235 people per square kilometre.
Minister of Housing and Local Government Nga Kor Ming explained that new residential developments will now require dedicated land allocations for schools based on population thresholds.
“For example, a housing project generating 7,500 residents would necessitate a primary school site of at least 2.4 hectares, while developments creating 8,750 residents would require a secondary school site of a minimum 3.2 hectares,” he said.
Kor Ming noted that these school sites will be identified and zoned as institutional areas within local plans, ensuring proper land provision for future educational infrastructure.
His comments were made in response to a parliamentary question from Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal regarding Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recommendation to mandate educational facilities for large-scale housing projects.
Highlighting Malaysia’s rapid urbanisation, Kor Ming cited data from the Fourth National Physical Plan showing the country’s urban population rising from 71 per cent in 2010 to 75.8 per cent in 2024, projected to reach 80 per cent by 2030.
He warned that growing student numbers, coupled with limited urban land, make the construction of conventional, sprawling school campuses increasingly challenging.
“Access to quality education and human capital development remains a priority,” he said, “and vertical schools provide a sustainable solution to meet educational needs in densely populated urban areas.”
Kor Ming described vertical schools as multi-storey educational institutions, similar to models adopted in Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan.
“Guidelines for vertical school planning within high-rise housing schemes have been approved at the 49th National Physical Planning Council meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on 13 October,” he added.
He emphasised that this innovative approach maximises land use in urban centres while creating inclusive, community-friendly schools.
“These guidelines mark a forward-looking step in developing a modern, holistic urban education model in line with Malaysia MADANI’s aspirations,” Kor Ming said. - November 21, 2025