KUALA LUMPUR: The Housing and Local Government Ministry has provided an annual allocation of nearly RM1bil for various social housing initiatives, in a bid to achieve its “shelter for all” goal.
Minister Nga Kor Ming (pic) said this year alone, the ministry has allocated RM546mil for the People’s Housing Programme (PPR) and RM358mil for people-friendly homes.
This effort aligns with the ministry’s goal to provide more affordable housing as recommended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to increase the availability of comfortable and affordable housing in urban areas.
“Our commitment extends beyond affordability; we are dedicated to ensuring these homes are of high quality, comfortable and strategically located,” he said in a statement here yesterday, Bernama reported.
In line with the 12th Malaysia Plan, the government is committed to delivering 500,000 affordable housing units to all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion.
This initiative is spearheaded by agencies such as Syarikat Perumahan Negara Bhd (SPNB) and PR1MA, both of which are dedicated to constructing at least 5,000 units annually.
A 2023 study by the Khazanah Institute, which surveyed 3,800 households across five PPR, found that more than 60% of respondents were satisfied with the general comfort levels of these projects.
“This is just the beginning. We are working to rebrand PPR as the People’s Residential Programme and enhance it to meet international standards, similar to social housing projects in countries like Singapore and Japan,” said Nga.
On Thursday, Anwar emphasised that new Madani housing projects must focus on living comfort, green spaces, recreational facilities and amenities.
He also highlighted the need for regular progress reports on each project in the federal capital to the Federal Territories Department and Kuala Lumpur City Hall to ensure timely completion.
