IPOH: The Perak Housing Policy 2.0 is expected to be finalised in the second half of the year, says state Perak housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng.
She said the policy is in its final phase of refinement before its official launch.
"As of now, we call it the Perak State Transformation Policy 2.0," she said.
"The draft was developed last year following engagement sessions and workshops with stakeholders," she added during a press conference after presenting Rumah Mesra Rakyat offer letters to 30 applicants at Mydin Meru Raya on Thursday (March 20).
"This updated policy builds on the original housing policy introduced in 2019, incorporating new trends, emerging housing needs, and additional housing schemes," she said.
Ng said the state is looking at ways to ensure better implementation so that policies do not face difficulties in execution.
"Additionally, preparing for an ageing population is another priority, as the state aims to introduce measures that cater to the housing needs of the elderly," she added.
Separately, Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB) chairman Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Azmi Mohd Lila said about 849 units of Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) homes will be built at a cost of about RM63.67mil in the state this year.
The houses, Mohd Azmi said, align with the government's efforts to build 5,450 units of RMR homes nationwide through Budget 2025.
"Since its introduction, the RMR programme has successfully helped 69,848 families nationwide to own their own homes.
"In Perak, a total of 7,355 RMR units have been successfully built," he said during the press conference.
Mohd Azmi also said there had been no problems with repayment by the RMR homeowners.
He said the monthly repayment of RM300 for 16 years is usually manageable for borrowers.
"Of course, financial capabilities may vary over time, and health conditions can also change," he said.
"SPNB would assess the financial capability of borrowers, as repayment is crucial to sustaining the programme. While RM300 a month may seem like a small amount to some, for certain families, it can be a challenge," he added.
Mohd Azmi said the repayments allow them to continue helping other applicants.
"The funds collected from repayments are channelled back to finance new homes for other deserving families," he added.
