JOHOR BARU: All future affordable housing developments in Johor will undergo an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to prevent issues like flooding, says Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor.
The Johor housing and local government committee chairman said this measure has been part of the state’s housing policy for some time and is managed by the Johor Housing Development Corporation (PKPJ).
“We have ensured that all future Johor Affordable Housing (RMMJ) projects are sustainable and not located in flood-prone areas,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Mohd Jafni added that there were past cases where developers had allocated land in unsuitable locations, either lacking value or prone to flooding.
“Under the Johor housing policy, the state government has the authority to suggest alternative and more suitable locations, even if they differ from those proposed by developers,” he said.
To prevent flooding risks, all RMMJ developments must undergo strict scrutiny by the state before receiving approval, he added.
“Each housing project must submit an EIA and secure approval from the relevant agencies, including the Public Works Department, Irrigation and Drainage Department, and local council.
“We will not accept proposals for RMMJ projects in flood-prone areas unless developers agree to raise the ground level, which comes at a significant cost,” he said.
Mohd Jafni, who is also the Bukit Permai assemblyman, said he had recently officiated the key handover ceremony for RMMJ Bandar Idaman Putra Category C homes, priced at RM150,000 each.
“The units, developed by IOI Properties, feature three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a 1,000sq ft layout. A total of 396 buyers received their keys and can now move into their homes. These units contribute to the target of 4,405 RMMJ homes to be completed in Kulai by 2026,” he said.
The state government, said Mohd Jafni, aims to build 30,000 affordable homes between 2022 and 2026.
As of last month, 13,461 units have been completed.
“The state government recognises the urgent need for comfortable and affordable housing for all Johoreans and is committed to working with private developers to meet this demand,” said Mohd Jafni.
