FREE MALAYSIA TODAY. 25TTH FEBRUARY: Mona Isa of Universiti Teknologi Mara says this can reduce the high amount spent by the government to repair vandalised facilities at PPRs.
An expert has proposed that a mandatory pre-tenancy course be held for prospective tenants of People’s Housing Projects (PPR) to overcome the problem of vandalism and trash dumping that is prevalent at these schemes.
Mona Isa, senior lecturer of estate management at Universiti Teknologi Mara, said this can reduce the high amount spent by the government to repair damaged facilities due to vandalism at PPRs.
“I have done a rental management study with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), and many of those who live in PPRs do not know about the strata house management system … what can and cannot be done.
“Also, house rentals are low compared to the high building maintenance costs.
“So, the government cannot fully cover these costs.
“If we cannot change the mentality of the tenants, the problems of vandalism and trash dumping cannot be solved,” she told Bernama.
When tabling the 2023 budget yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the local authorities had been allocated RM50 million to ensure a safe environment at PPRs.
The allocation for maintenance and repair works on the lifts has also been increased to RM1.2 million from RM500,000.
In addition, Mona said the application criteria for renting PPR homes should be tightened, taking into account the applicants’ salaries, debts and their status with the Central Credit Reference Information System (CCRIS).
Meanwhile, Mustazar Mansur, of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s economics and management faculty, said the 75% stamp duty exemption for houses worth RM500,000 to RM1 million would benefit the M40 group.
“For example, if the stamp duty amounts to RM15,000 for a house costing RM500,000, the buyer can save RM11,250 with the exemption.
“Therefore, the money can be used by prospective home buyers for other things such as renovations or installing home security devices,” he added.