Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the RM4 billion development today, Zaliha said many civil servants were forced to rent homes outside the administrative capital, resulting in high monthly expenses due to transportation costs.

“With Madani City, civil servants will be able to live in government quarters with minimal costs, estimated at around RM400.

“Schools will be within walking distance and the area will be safe. They won’t need to worry. They can save on fuel costs, too.

“I estimate that civil servants will be able to save up to RM1,000 a month. This is a good development and they can use that money for something more beneficial,” she said.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who officiated the ceremony, said the concept behind Madani City went beyond just urban development.

“We don’t have to chase after New York or London to be seen as a modern city. Those cities have their own flaws.

“What’s nice about Madani City is that everything will be walkable. How do we do that without it being extremely hot? That’s the architect’s job,” he said.

Anwar said the development was also aimed at reducing the financial burden on families, especially from sending their children to school.

“Imagine if parents have to send their kids to school – it could easily cost them about RM400 just for transport. That’s why now, the kindergarten is just downstairs, and the school is within walking distance.”

Developed by Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd via a public-private partnership, the project is based on the build, lease, maintain and transfer concept and will not involve any government allocations in its initial phase.

Once complete, Madani City will offer 10,000 high-density residential quarters for over 30,000 residents, vertical schools, and various public amenities.

Putrajaya will assume full ownership of the project after 25 years.