Malaysia to develop new Centralised Labour Quarters for migrant workers within Selangor

Laman Lestari will have the capacity to accommodate 5,712 individuals in 336 units, all of which will be available for rental for migrant workers.

Malaysia's Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) has celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony of the Centralised Labour Quarters (CLQ) in Bandar Sultan Suleiman. The development of the CLQ aims to elevate the living conditions for migrant workers within Selangor, and marks the commencement of the Laman Lestari development project.

The event was officiated by Selangor Menteri Besar, Dato’ Seri Amirudin bin Shari, and attended by Chief Executive Officer of PKNS, Dato’ Mahmud Abbas. During the ceremony, PKNS signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Inter Great and PKNS FM Integrated, further affirming the Corporation's "commitment to nurturing a vibrant and sustainable living environment for these workers."

The upcoming CLQ in Bandar Sultan Suleiman is expected to be completed in three years, with the award date set for 2024 and the certificate of completion in 2028.

Occupying an area of 4.35 acres, the quarters will consist of 336 fully-furnished units. These units will be equipped with essential amenities such as light fixtures, fans, electric stoves, tables and chairs, beds, mattresses, pillows, and lockers.

Each unit within the CLQ will comprise three rooms, a bathroom, and a dedicated dining area. Additionally, the development will provide a range of common areas, including a foodcourt, prayer rooms, and ample open space for indoor activities.

Laman Lestari will have the capacity to accommodate 5,712 individuals, with a maximum of 17 occupants per unit. As a whole, the project is estimated to cost RM120mn in construction expenses.

To prioritise the welfare of the migrant workers, all units in the CLQ will be available for rental, with an estimated all-inclusive monthly fee of RM350 per person. This rental-based approach is meant to align with PKNS' commitment to a long-term strategy of maintaining the CLQs and ensuring their sustainability.

Currently, PKNS noted, the absence of dedicated workers' accommodations in the region has led to the current scattered living arrangements of workers in nearby flats and apartments, which this project seeks to address. By providing adequate CLQs, it aims to address the national agenda of supporting the implementation of the Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446). 

SPV Management Co., a joint venture between Inter Great Group of Companies and PKNS FM Integrated, a subsidiary of PKNS, will assume the responsibility of managing Laman Lestari and overseeing the welfare of the workers residing in them.

In this project, PKNS emphasises their commitment to compliance with Act 446 throughout the construction and management of the development to prioritise the safety and well-being of the workers. This would mean careful assessment, giving special consideration to the social impact, while integrating diverse amenities and facilities within the CLQs during the planning stage to minimise the necessity for workers to venture outside for their daily needs. Stringent management protocols will be implemented .

Looking ahead, PKNS aims to continue building CLQs to provide comfortable accommodation for foreign workers, with future projects aiming to provide more than 50,000 beds in various locations, including Shah Alam, Kota Puteri, Selangor Cyber Valley, Green Industrial Park Kota Puteri, Port Klang, and Bandar Sultan Suleiman.

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