Leong Pou U calls on gov’t to tie urban renewal policies to job creation

Lawmaker Leong Pou U voiced support for recent reforms to the government’s Building Maintenance Fund while calling on authorities to closely align urban renewal policies with employment growth and the long-term development of the local construction sector.

Speaking during a pre-agenda session at the Legislative Assembly, Leong said the revised subsidy framework represents a meaningful step forward in encouraging property owners to undertake building repairs and upgrades. However, Leong argued that the policy should go further.

“Recently, the government revised the Building Maintenance Fund subsidy scheme, expanding its coverage to include renovation works, increasing the types of eligible projects, and raising subsidy and loan ceilings,” Leong noted.

According to Leong, these changes address earlier limitations that excluded certain maintenance works from financial support, thereby improving accessibility and incentives for property owners.

He also said the adjustments have already had a positive impact in promoting building maintenance and urban renewal, particularly in older districts where infrastructure upgrades are increasingly urgent.

Despite voicing his support for the Building Maintenance Fund, Leong questioned whether the updated policy could be further optimized to benefit local businesses and workers.

The lawmaker and engineer highlighted a sustained decline in both public and private construction projects in recent years, which has placed significant strain on contractors and reduced job opportunities. This downturn, he added, has also discouraged younger workers from entering the construction field, raising concerns about the sector’s long-term sustainability.

“Urban renewal is a long-term initiative that not only improves living conditions but also provides stable development opportunities, especially through smaller-scale ‘micro-renewal’ projects. Works covered under the Building Maintenance Fund – such as water, electricity, drainage, elevators, fire safety systems, central gas systems, and building inspections – are within the capabilities of local SMEs and residents,” Leong said.

Calling on the government, the lawmaker said, “The government should strengthen policy coordination to support local contractors’ participation in urban renewal, creating a stable development environment.”

To improve policy coordination and ensure that local contractors can participate more fully in these projects, Leong suggested that “subsidy schemes could incorporate requirements to promote digital and intelligent transformation, adoption of new technologies, and environmentally friendly materials, thereby supporting industry upgrading, talent development, and upward mobility for residents.”

Such measures, he said, would not only modernize the sector but also support talent development and create pathways for upward mobility among local workers.

Establishing a closed-loop system

A central element of Leong’s proposal was the creation of a comprehensive “closed-loop” building maintenance management system. This framework, he stated, would cover the full lifecycle of building upkeep, from initial inspection and maintenance planning to construction, project acceptance, routine inspections, and subsequent re-inspections.

He said such a system would ensure that buildings remain in good condition over time while also fostering a more cohesive and efficient maintenance ecosystem.

At present, Leong noted, many services related to building maintenance remain fragmented. A closed-loop approach would integrate these functions into a “full value chain,” generating more consistent demand for “local construction industries and workers” and providing steadier employment opportunities.