Housing Ministry ahead of target for construction of affordable homes

The Housing and Local Government Ministry completed 32,951 units of affordable homes in the first three months of this year.

Its minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said of the number, the highest is in Kuala Lumpur with 7,390 units, followed by Perak (5,688), Putrajaya (4,999), Kedah (4,815), Selangor (3,777), Johor (1,964), and Pahang (1,884).

"Pakatan Harapan targets to build one million affordable homes in 10 years, that is, 100,000 units in one year, but this year alone, we might be able to construct 360,000 units and surpass the target,” she told reporters here today.

Earlier, she officiated the launch of the Industrialised Building System (IBS) Technical and Vocational Training Centre. 

Also present were deputy minister Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad and Terengganu exco Alias Razak.

The IBS training centre in Kijal is the country's first and a joint endeavour involving IBS Global, Sany Construction Industry (SCI) and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB).

The first batch comprises 150 trainees who will undergo a three-month course beginning July. Fifteen are sponsored by SCI.

Zuraida said the centre would not only produce more local IBS technical and skilled workers, but also reduce the country's dependence on foreign workers by at least 40 percent.

"With IBS technology, we would not require that many workers, as 90 people can do the job of 1,000.

"This modern and efficient technology can also expedite the accomplishment of our target of one million affordable homes, and at a much lower cost,” she added.

- Bernama