FREE MALAYSIA TODAY. 19TH MARCH: Local government development minister Nga Kor Ming says this is to enable the government to optimise the allocation for building homes.
States that offer land in strategic locations for free or at a nominal premium rate will be given priority by the government in the construction of people’s housing projects (PPR).
Local government development minister Nga Kor Ming said this was to enable the government to optimise allocations for building such homes, instead of having to pay for the cost of the land.
“About 30-35% of PPR costs is used to pay for the land (provided by the state). As a result, the quality of the homes that are built is affected.
“So, we welcome the cooperation of state governments on this matter,” he was quoted as saying.
Nga was speaking to reporters after the launch of the Tok Kenali Market in Binjai, Kota Bharu. Kelantan menteri besar Ahmad Yaakob was also present.
“I hope Kelantan will also show its commitment to work with the federal government on this,” he said.
According to Nga, the federal government had allocated RM387 million for PPR projects this year.
“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has also provided another RM385 million for user-friendly houses. So, the total allocation for housing projects this year is over RM700 million,” he said.
“We will work hard to achieve our ministry’s aspiration of ‘one family, one house’.”
Meanwhile, Nga also said RM50 million will be used to replace worn-out lifts at PPRs nationwide.
“For a start, 100 worn-out lifts will be replaced every year.
“Hence, within five years, up to 500 new lifts will be installed, thereby benefiting 500,000 PPR residents.”
Nga said attention will also be given to providing better lighting and a more conducive living environment for residents at PPRs.
The ministry will spend RM90.4 million to carry out maintenance works on PPRs and low-cost public housing schemes for this, he added.