KPKT plans adaptive reuse of abandoned shops into community centres and business spaces to tackle oversupply and revitalise urban areas
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) plans to adopt an adaptive reuse approach to repurpose abandoned shop premises.
Deputy Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu said this will optimise urban space use and convert buildings into more relevant functions.
She said the Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) is monitoring the issue in areas like Lembah Beringin, Bukit Beruntung and Hulu Selangor.
Abandoned premises in these locations 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 in the Dewan Rakyat.
She was responding to a question from Mohd Hasnizan Harun on plans to address abandoned shop premises.
Proposed measures include converting premises into community centres, micro-enterprise spaces and skills training facilities.
These conversions are subject to approval by local authorities.
KPKT will also tighten development planning controls and reassess the need for new commercial projects.
This is 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.
KPKT has implemented initiatives to improve utilisation of premises under local authority supervision.
These include infrastructure upgrades and notifications on vacant units.
Other measures are rent-free periods of up to one year and leasing to unlicensed hawkers needing business space.
The ministry will also terminate 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 MP.
The focus is on addressing safety and social concerns while supporting local economic development.
