'Housing Ministry to find ways to solve housing loan woes'

The Housing and Local Government Ministry has had discussions with both the Finance and Economic Affairs Ministries over the issue of obtaining housing loans from Bank Negara Malaysia.

It's minister, Zuraida Kamaruddin said while the issue is under the purview of the Finance Ministry, the Housing and Local Government Ministry has brought the matter forward as the problem stemmed from existing bureaucracies.

"But we will ensure that this will not affect the banks. Hopefully there is a mechanism or a way to solve this problem," she told reporters in Bukit Jalil today.

Then deputy prime minister Zahid Hamidi earlier this year said the government will propose that the interest rates of housing loans be reduced.

Meanwhile, asked on the previous government's move to allow developers to give housing loans, Zuraida said she was not in the know of the matter.

However, she said she will look into it.

"I don't know about the issue because I have not looked into it.

"But I have been briefed about it, and have only been given the general picture.

"I will visit the other departments next week and will comment on this after I get the full briefing," she said. - Mkini