THE RM13 bil affordable housing project soon to be announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, while commendable and is a positive step forward for those in the civil service who do not own a home, must be considered for those in the B40 group as well.
Beliawanis MCA national chairperson Ivone Low Yi Wen said this in response to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming’s announcement on Wednesday (Nov 27) following media reports indicating that 1.3 million civil servants do not own homes.
“We must not forget that everyone equally deserves access to affordable housing, especially those in the B40 group,” Low stressed.
While the government has introduced initiatives for the B40 and M40 income groups, Low said there is still a need to advocate for equal access to this RM13 bil project, adding that many in the B40 group continue to face significant struggles.
The initiatives she mentioned include Residensi MADANI which provides low-cost housing options including rentals, Rumah Majlis MADANI offering rental homes at RM600 per month and Rumah Ihsan MADANI which offers rentals at RM300.
“There must be a better understanding of the contrast between civil servants and B40 citizens, particularly in terms of the benefits each group receives,” Low stated.
“While civil servants enjoy a range of government perks, including healthcare, many non-civil servants face considerable challenges, such as bearing the full cost of healthcare – an issue that has recently garnered significant attention with medical insurance premiums set to soar between 40% to 70%.”
Low said among the most vulnerable groups are fresh graduates, who often struggle to secure stable employment, let alone afford a home, more so, with room rental on the rise too.
Therefore, this affordable housing initiative should ensure it provides opportunities for these young individuals as well.
“Moreover, it is essential that affordable housing projects are not only financially accessible but also meet high standards of quality,” she continued.
“We must avoid the low-quality housing often associated with People’s Housing Programme (PPR) flats, which have long been plagued by alleged issues such as poor construction and neglect.
“To create sustainable communities, affordable housing must be built to last, with attention to durability, comfort, and long-term maintenance. Alongside this, a reliable system for the regular collection of maintenance fees is crucial to keeping properties in good condition for all residents.” – Nov 29, 2024
