Get a life! Xavier tells flat dwellers

Ex-state exco for poverty and compassionate government tells cash-strapped Kota Damansara residents Malaysia's not a welfare state and they should strive to look for jobs.

VIDEO INSIDE

PETALING JAYA: Those who live in poverty should try to earn a living, said former Selangor state exco for plantation workers, poverty and compassionate government Dr Xavier Jeyakumar.

“Malaysia is not a welfare state. We do not extend free housing to anyone. The government has built low cost houses to cater for the low income group,” said Jeyakumar.

He said this in response to an article yesterday which highlighted the plight of the poverty stricken residents living in the public housing scheme (PPR) in Section 8, Kota Damansara.

One of the residents told FMT that she could not even provide her family with a decent meal and another said that she could not afford to pay for her routine medical check ups for diabetes.

Jeyakumar, who was the exco in charge of poverty issues in the last term, said that the state’s low cost housing management charges a minimal rental and tenants must make an effort to pay for it.

“Malaysia does not have a free housing concept, unlike in some European countries and in the US,” he said.

The state assemblyman for Seri Andalas urged the flat dwellers to approach the Welfare Department if they are really in dire need of help.

However, Jeyakumar insisted the poverty stricken flat dwellers make an effort to find jobs.

“There is a quota system set by the federal government that provides more employment opportunities to locals as opposed to foreigners. So use the opportunity to overcome poverty,” he said.

‘Complain to the right channel’

In related development, state exco for welfare and women’s affairs, Rodziah Ismail, said she will send her representatives to the area to evaluate the situation.

“I was not aware of the poverty issue in Kota Damansara’s low cost flats. I will send my staff to assess the condition.

“Usually, the special committee for poverty will evaluate such cases and provide assistance such as micro credit schemes and help to reduce the cost of rental from RM250 to only RM150,” she said.

Rodziah also assured the people that the state government would not neglect anyone in need.

“They just have to complain to the right channel and we will help them to resolve their issues,” she said.

Meanwhile, current state exco for plantation workers, poverty and compassionate government, V Ganabatirao, said that the matter needed to be referred to the Welfare Department.

“I have not been given a chance to explain my portfolio. Please check the minutes of the state assembly sitting from the Internet before making assumptions,” he said.