Government continues to help rural communities

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 21):  The government continues to implement various measures to increase ownership among rural folk including second generation settlers of Felda, Felcra and Risda, and the Orang Asli community, Bernama reported today.

Among the initiatives are Felda Next Generation Housing Project (PGBF), Felcra Second Generation Housing Project and Risda Second Generation Housing Project (RSGHP), aimed to help the second generation settlers, according to the 2016/17 Economic Report released by the Finance Ministry today.

A total of 8,470 houses under the PGBF are under construction, mainly in Kuantan, Pahang (1,904 units); Raja Alias, Negeri Sembilan (1,683 units); Johor Bahru, Johor (1,499 units) and Jengka, Pahang (230 units) as at end-August this year, .

With regard to Felcra, as at end-August 2016, a sum of RM4 million was spent on the development of 1,183 houses mainly in Tembeling Tengah, Pahang (230 units); Tembangau, Pahang (216 units); Bukit Sedanan, Melaka (106 units) and Lekir, Perak (102 units) Bernama reported.

RSGHP was launched last August, with the construction of 100 houses last month.

Meanwhile, the government also introduced the Housing Assistance Programme so that the Orang Asli community can live in comfortable houses.

Under the programme, 512 units of houses will be built in Orang Asli settlements, and the construction works in Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak and Selangor commenced in May. They are expected to be completed by November 2016.

Bernama also reported that the government provides financial assistance through a similar programme for rural poor and hardcore poor.

The initiative is focused on building or repairing houses for senior citizens, infirm and disabled and single mothers.

Up to RM123.3 million was disbursed for this scheme, positively impacting 5,972 participants as at end-August 2016.

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