Baku: The Malaysian government has announced an ambitious plan to construct 1 million affordable housing units within the next decade. Malaysia's Minister of Housing and Local Government, Nga Kor Ming, who is also the President of the Assembly of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), shared this development during the ministers' meeting on the New Urban Agenda, which was part of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Nga Kor Ming highlighted that over 75% of Malaysia's population resides in urban areas, which serve as the primary economic engines of the nation. However, this rapid urbanization also presents challenges such as housing affordability, climate risks, and social inequality that need to be addressed.

The minister elaborated on Malaysia's 13th development plan, which includes the goal of building 1 million affordable and inclusive housing units over the next ten years. This initiative is part of a broader vision to not only increase housing availability but also to enhance the development of smarter and greener cities.

Nga Kor Ming emphasized the implementation of the 'Smart City Framework,' which aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas through the use of digital technologies. Additionally, the 'Low Carbon City Framework' is being pursued to help the nation adapt to climate change.

He reiterated Malaysia's commitment to the New Urban Agenda, describing it as a promise to future generations that the country is determined to fulfill.