Variety in PPR unit sizes can improve B40 living standards

 

PPRs have a high density population level, with an estimated 1,455 people living in a building comprising 316 units, says researcher.

PETALING JAYA: The government should provide better living conditions for those in the B40 group by providing a variety of unit sizes under the People’s Housing Projects (PPR).

These units should be able to accommodate comfortably the occupants, whether they are single or a family, in order to improve their standard of living.

In a forum by the Gabungan Marhaen movement, Khazanah Research Institute (KRI) research associate Gregory Ho said PPR flats in Malaysia had standard sizes for all units, adding that this was not suitable.

“If you look at the HDB flats in Singapore, they have different floor plans. Suppose you are single, an affordable house with two rooms could be suitable.

“After that, in five years time, you still have the option to move and get a bigger place that is suitable for you.

Ho said according to research carried out by KRI, the standard size of a three-room PPR unit was 650 sq ft compared with the national housing standard which was 800 sq ft.

“The average household occupancy rate for a PPR is about six people. Yet, they have to squeeze into this very small home,” he said, questioning if that was suitable.

Ho added that PPRs also had a high-density population level, with an estimated 1,455 people living in a building comprising 316 units.

He noted that hygiene and sanitation would be a huge problem, especially the increased risk of disease transmission when sharing facilities such as elevators.

“Poorly planned low-cost units can also adversely affect the mental and physical health of those living in PPRs,” he said.

Therefore, Ho called for more comfortable homes to be provided for those in the B40 group, saying that they deserved it as a basic human right. - FMT