Schools Made Mandatory in New Large-Scale Housing Projects
Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), the government will make it mandatory for schools to be included in large-scale housing developments as a condition for planning approval.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in tabling the 13MP, said the move is aimed at tackling the overcrowding of schools in urban areas and addressing the lack of suitable land for education facilities.
This policy marks a significant step in ensuring that new housing developments—particularly in Kuala Lumpur and other urban growth centres—are supported by essential educational infrastructure.
RM67 Billion Education Allocation
Putrajaya has allocated RM67 billion for education under 13MP to fund the construction of new schools, repairs and upgrades to existing schools, as well as improved infrastructure for higher learning institutions.
This includes:
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Building new schools in high-demand growth areas
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Repairing and upgrading Community Development Department centres
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Expanding infrastructure at public universities and colleges
To date, 1,200 dilapidated schools have already been upgraded nationwide, and this push is expected to accelerate further.
Vertical Schools for Urban Communities
Recognising land scarcity in dense city centres, the government also announced plans to expand vertical schools—multi-storey education facilities designed for urban environments. These projects will help ease student overcrowding while ensuring education remains accessible in prime residential areas.
Boosting Enrolment and Accessibility
The education reforms also aim to raise Malaysia’s preschool and secondary school enrolment rates to 98%, surpassing the global average. By embedding schools directly into housing developments, accessibility and inclusivity are expected to improve dramatically, especially for families in newly built townships.
Implications for KL Property and Developers
For the kl property market, the policy represents a major shift in urban planning requirements. Developers of large-scale housing projects will now need to allocate land and resources for school construction before securing approvals.
This could reshape how master-planned communities are designed:
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Township developments will need integrated school sites from the outset
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Property values may rise in projects offering walkable access to quality education
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Investors and buyers may increasingly view school proximity as a key factor in housing demand
For families, the integration of schools into new housing areas directly addresses long-standing concerns about long commutes and overcrowded classrooms in Kuala Lumpur and Greater Klang Valley.
Final Thoughts
By making school construction a condition for new housing approvals, the government is placing education at the heart of urban development under 13MP. For the KL property sector, this policy could enhance township liveability, support stronger community growth, and drive long-term value for developments that integrate schools effectively.
As Kuala Lumpur continues to expand, developers who align with this education-first planning framework are likely to gain an edge in attracting both homeowners and investors.
