PETALING JAYA: The Government hopes to build 30,000 to 50,000 affordable houses by next year for middle-income earners.

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung said if private developers cooperate with the Government, affordable houses that costs not more than RM300,000 could be built.

“Middle income group who earn between RM3,000 and RM6,000 a month would be able to buy these houses. We feel there is a demand for such houses,” he said after launching the Winners Announcement of The Golden Bull Award 2012 here Tuesday.

He said this when asked what he would like to see in the coming Budget 2013 for his ministry.

While admitting that houses in the range of RM300,000 to RM400,000 in Kuala Lumpur is “impossible” to be found, he suggested that through Syarikat Perumahan Malaysia Berhad, unused public lands could be used to build these houses.

Chor also suggested for these houses to be built at locations just outside Kuala Lumpur such as Kajang, Semenyih and Rawang.

Asked if incentives would be offered to developers who build more affordable houses, he suggested the state governments to be more “flexible” in allowing private developers to build houses that costs not more than RM200,000.

He said currently property developers are required to follow the 30% quota for low-cost homes in a project.

“In the 80s, there was a demand for low cost houses but now many can afford more medium-cost housing. Developers would lose profits and would be more willing to build such houses,” he said.

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