Good intentions behind Budget 2017 but implementation is key: Rehda Selangor

PETALING JAYA (Oct 25): The good intentions behind the measures to increase the supply of affordable housing announced in the recently tabled Budget 2017 may be good but they would need effective implementation, said the Selangor branch chairman of the Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association Malaysia (Rehda), Zulkifly Garib.

“As far as the government is concerned, it’s all about affordability. However, do note that there is already an abundance of residential units in the affordable price range that have not been taken up because those interested to purchase are not qualified for loans,” he said.

“The market isn’t short of people who want to own their own homes but can they get loans? So I think the government’s intention to come up with more affordable housing programmes is good but the implementation is key here,” he stressed. He was speaking as a panellist during TheEdgeProperty.com’s Roundtable on Budget 2017 yesterday.

The roundtable was moderated by TheEdgeProperty.com managing director and editor-in-chief Au Foong Yee. Other panellists were Rehda deputy president Datuk Soam Heng Choon, Master Builders Association Malaysia president Foo Chek Lee, Rehda Johor chairman Datuk Steve Chong, Rehda Kedah and Perlis chairman Datuk Rick Cheng and Rehda deputy secretary general Tan Ching Meng.

For a detailed report on the roundtable, read the Oct 28, 2016 issue of TheEdgeProperty.com pullout. It is available free for download here.

budget2017