KPKT TO USE ADAPTIVE REUSE APPROACH FOR ABANDONED SHOP PREMISES

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) plans to adopt an adaptive reuse approach to repurpose abandoned shop premises into more relevant functions to optimise urban space use.

Deputy Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu said the Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) is monitoring the issue, particularly in Lembah Beringin, Bukit Beruntung and Hulu Selangor, where abandoned premises have been linked to undocumented migrant settlements and immoral activities.

“The problem stems from a mismatch between commercial supply and demand, changes in local economic patterns, unphased developments and limited economically viable activities,” she said during the Special Chamber session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

She was responding to a question from Mohd Hasnizan Harun (PN–Hulu Selangor) on the ministry’s plans and actions to address the problem of abandoned shop premises.

Aiman Athirah said proposed measures include converting abandoned premises into community centres, micro-enterprise spaces and skills training facilities, subject to approval by local authorities.

She added that KPKT will also tighten development planning controls and reassess the need for new commercial projects to prevent future oversupply, in line with population projections and economic activity.

“We can revitalise these areas by strengthening local economic activities, encouraging small and medium enterprises through entrepreneurial support, rental incentives and the involvement of agencies such as SME Corp, Majlis Amanah Rakyat and the private sector to create real demand for existing commercial space,” she said.

She said KPKT has also implemented initiatives to improve utilisation of premises under local authority supervision. This includes infrastructure upgrades, notifications on vacant units, rent-free periods of up to one year, leasing to unlicensed hawkers in need of business space and terminating leases of non-operating traders.

Aiman Athirah assured that KPKT remains committed to addressing abandoned shop premises in collaboration with the Selangor state government and the Hulu Selangor Member of Parliament, particularly to address safety and social concerns while supporting local economic development.

-- BERNAMA