JOHOR BARU ，Feb 19– The People’s Housing Project (PPR) will be rebranded as ‘Rumah Malaysia’, as part of policy reforms by the Housing and Local Government Ministry.
Its minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin said the built-up area of ‘Rumah Malaysia’ would be no less than 900 sq feet compared to around 700 sq feet currently, and the ministry would also adjust rental rates for the units nationwide.
“It is time for the Malaysian people to get bigger houses to improve their quality of life. This will, in turn, make them high-quality citizens,” she said in a news conference after handing over the keys to house buyers of Taman Seri Molek Perdana Phase 1 and PPR Taman Perling, Johor, here, today.
Also present was Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Abd Muttalib and state Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Ayub Jamil.
Zuraida said the reforms will see units have nearby playgrounds, community halls and houses of worship must be provided, besides ensuring the formation of residents’ committees which would be responsible for the maintenance and security of the residential area.
To avoid ‘Rumah Malaysia’ from becoming unoccupied, the ministry also stipulates that eligible applicants must occupy the houses within three months after the construction project has been completed.
“I have requested that these houses be filled within three months. The state government must cooperate in getting occupancy. This includes allowing a two-year rental period while the applicants manage their bank loans and so on.
“If after two years they still fail to obtain any financing, the state government has to decide whether to extend the rental period or find new applicants,” she said.
Zuraida said this year, a total of 11 ‘Rumah Malaysia’ projects comprising 4,120 units would be built nationwide, of which three are located in Johor, namely Kluang, Sembrong and Pengerang.
She said the projects were still in the tender process.
