SHAH ALAM, Sept 2 - The Second Selangor Plan (RS-2) must focus on childcare, education and living costs while improving liveability and public transport systems, said Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) professor Wong Chin Yoong.
The expert said future state budgets should align with the RS-2, with allocations, incentives and tax policies tailored to Selangoreans’ actual needs.
Wong said housing policy, for instance, should go beyond simply increasing supply, as the state also faces challenges with auctioned properties.
“From the perspective of liveability, it is not just about whether there is sufficient housing supply. Apart from Johor, Selangor is also among the states facing a fairly serious issue involving auctioned homes.
“Housing supply is not the most pressing issue at the moment,” he said in an interview with Media Selangor.
Wong also highlighted the importance of improving public transport to ease traffic congestion in Selangor, although he noted the matter falls under the federal government’s jurisdiction.
He added that the state government could expand incentives for education and childcare within its areas of responsibility, including providing greater assistance with costs from birth through the school years.
Wong pointed out that Selangor has a vibrant economy but relatively high living costs, meaning families not only have to bear the cost of raising children, but also expenses for elderly parents.
He said retirees’ needs must be given attention under RS-2, including by providing more activity spaces and facilities to support their lives.
“I do not mean building nursing homes for senior citizens, but providing more activity spaces for retirees.
“This includes integrating healthcare, medical and public facilities to create living spaces that support the needs of senior citizens so they feel supported by the community.”
Wong said the state government must also implement measures that account for people’s needs at every stage of life.
Previously, when tabling the RS-2, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the Selangor government would implement 25 initiatives under “Mission 3: A Caring and Liveable State”, including providing a comfortable living environment, improving public healthcare, and expanding affordable housing.
