JOHOR BARU: Future People’s Housing Projects (PPR) will be upgraded to People’s Residency Programmes (PRR), in line with the government’s aim of producing better quality homes, says Nga Kor Ming.
“The ministry is committed to providing 500,000 units of quality affordable homes to Malaysians. In fact, the Cabinet has just approved for PPR to be upgraded to PRR,” said the Housing and Local Government Minister.
“PRR will offer better quality housing that is well-integrated, sustainable and liveable with quality commercial lots, green spaces and a community centre among its features,” he told reporters after a Sentuhan Kasih event at Residensi Pelangi Indah here yesterday.
He added that the ministry had completed a comparative study on public housing schemes in other countries before upgrading and rebranding PPR.
“We not only looked at Singapore’s Housing Development Board but also projects in Australia, South Korea and Japan.
“Through PRR, we are starting a new concept where public housing is of a better quality but their prices will remain affordable,” he added.
The first PRR project would likely be launched in Larkin here next year before being expanded to other states.
Nga said the ministry has allocated almost RM1bil this year to building more affordable homes to ensure that every Malaysian will be able to own a home.
“In Johor alone, the ministry has built up to 26,662 units of public housing as of July 31 through several agencies,” he noted.
On an unrelated matter, Nga reiterated that Kuala Lumpur is safe despite a sinkhole in the popular Jalan Masjid India area, which swallowed Indian tourist G. Vijaya Laksmi on Aug 23.
“All states in Malaysia have done utility and land structure studies, where the mapping work is carried out all the time and in phases.
“That step is important to keep our cities safe.
“Do not make it seem like our country is not safe to live in because of an isolated case (sinkhole incident). That is not correct,” he said.
