No more abandoned people's housing projects, govt pledges

 

PETALING JAYA: The government will ensure that there will not be any more abandoned people's housing projects (PPR), says Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Abd Muttalib(pic).

The government would see that these projects were completed before handing them over to buyers or the relevant state government, he added.

Ismail said the government would also ensure that all facilities in a PPR were completed as well.

"Among the government initiatives to help the B40 community own PPR, we have introduced the Rent-to-Own initiative to facilitate house ownership," he said in reply to Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub (BN-Machang) in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (March 14).

"(The government will also) provide subsidies of PPR management fees, provide a disability liability period of two years, and introduce Internet facilities at all new PPR.”

Ahmad had asked about the government’s solutions for the rising number of abandoned housing projects.

Ismail added that for PPR developed by his ministry, the actions to be taken include convening a Contract Coordination Panel (CCP) special committee meeting, carrying out periodic monitoring, and coordinating with state authorities on completing the projects.

Central agencies such as the Implementation Coordination Unit in the Prime Minister's Department will also be involved, he added.

Ismail said the government was also committed to restoring abandoned private sector housing projects with the cooperation of state governments and relevant parties.

The ministry would also meet stakeholders such as the original developer, Insolvency Department and liquidators, he added.

"We will also direct the developer to submit a progress report every month for each project that is being restored (whether it is) by the current developer, liquidator, or the rescue developer.

"We will also identify developers that are capable and experienced to take over restoration of abandoned private housing, especially in the low- and medium-cost categories, that meets the criteria set by the Finance Ministry," he said. - Star