Rajiv: Take over low-cost housing maintenance to maintain residents' dignity

 

Bukit Gasing state assemblyperson Rajiv Rishyakaran has called on the government to take over the maintenance of low-cost housing properties.

"We must not wait until the living conditions in low-cost housing schemes deteriorate and become unsafe before stepping in only when necessary.

"The government should take over the maintenance of these properties so that residents have a decent standard of living and maintain their dignity," he said.

Rajiv suggested that the government should conduct open tenders to hire maintenance companies for all low-cost housing properties and ensure that the companies are accountable for the services they render.

"By doing this, the government can significantly increase the quality of life in all low-cost and public housing properties," he added.

Rajiv’s statement comes after Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that RM127 million would be set aside for the replacement of old lifts at all 67 People’s Housing Projects (PPR) and Public Housing (PA) projects in Kuala Lumpur.

Ismail Sabri said that the new lifts are expected to be installed in two years’ time.

Lift breakdowns a common problem in low-cost housing schemes

In his statement, Rajiv noted that in many low-cost housing projects, basic facilities - which includes lifts, wiring, water pumps and cleaning services - are often neglected until "breaking point".

He said: "The correct solution is for the government to take over the maintenance of these housing units and ensure that they are clean and safe, and that lifts operate properly at all times.

"After all, if the government is responsible for cleaning the streets and maintaining water pipes and playgrounds for landed property owners all this while, it should be fair and take care of these basic necessities for low-cost housing dwellers too."

Citing Singapore's HDB flats, Rajiv observed that maintenance is conducted by the Singaporean government - whereas in Malaysia, residents are left to form their own management committees to do so.

"Many residents in low-cost housing are low wage earners and they find it a burden to make monthly maintenance payments, especially now in these trying economic times.

"It is often a chicken-and-egg situation, where those who can afford to for pay maintenance do not get the service they deserve and those who can't/don't pay still want services rendered to them.

"As a result, management committees often have to deal with very difficult circumstances with regard to the collection of maintenance fees and providing the necessary services," the Bukit Gasing representative added. - Mkini