New DBKL scheme to help PPR and Public Housing residents pay arrears

KUALA LUMPUR (March 25): Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) today introduced the ‘Rental Arrears Settlement Service Scheme’ to address the problem of rental arrears by tenants of its Public Housing (PA) and PPR units.

In a report by The Star, Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad said the City Hall would appoint tenants who cannot afford to pay their rents as cleaners and their income would be channelled directly to DBKL to settle their current and outstanding rents.

“A total of 107 tenants have been identified to have rent arrears. So, if they really cannot afford to pay the rent, they can take up the job with an income of between RM800 and RM1,300 per month,” he said.

As of January 31, a total of 25,872 units of PA and PPR have rental arrears of RM25.76 million with rental rates ranging from RM95 to RM135 monthly. 
“The scheme is open only to those who fulfil certain criteria, such as pensioners or able-bodied adults who are unable to find jobs,” Khalid was quoted as saying by The Star.

They will earn between RM800 and RM1,300 per month as part-time or full-time cleaners. Rent for one PPR unit ranges from RM95 to RM135 per month. The scheme will deduct payment for two months - one current and one backdated.

“This scheme is one way for DBKL to collect rent arrears, as it would otherwise have to take enforcement action against tenants who infringe on their tenancy agreement,” said Khalid.