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(Oct 20): The federal government's Projek Rumah 1Malaysia (1Malaysia Housing Project) or PR1MA in Penang may see the take over of projects by other developers, Penang Federal Action Council chairman Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Osman said today.
He said PR1MA was looking at projects that had run out of funds, and even completed projects, so as to provide affordable housing to buyers in the state.
"Now, maybe there is a developer (unrelated to PR1MA) that has an approved plan, and has completed its project or is having trouble getting loan or funds to implement the project.
"We can negotiate with the developer to (let PR1MA) take over and finish the project," Zainal told a press conference at the KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu) station in Bukit Mertajam today.
Zainal said he could not go into specifics yet but announcements would be made "when such a project is finished and the keys are ready to be handed over".
"Then we will know that the development is a PR1MA project. I am not saying this is for sure, but this may be the scenario in Penang, where we have to also consider the processes proposed developments must go through and the time required to get approvals.
“What is for sure, is that, as far as PR1MA in Penang is concerned, the government-linked corporation is not sleeping.
"There are PR1MA staff going around doing studies and site visits everyday... it is all ongoing."
Zainal was asked on the latest on the PR1MA housing scheme in Penang, which seemed to have stalled, although the units were first promised to the state in the run-up to the 2013 general election.
The unclear status of PR1MA housing projects has been a bone of contention, with the DAP-led state government questioning the federal government about its promise to provide affordable housing.
Zainal was also asked what he thought about the Penang government's move to “stimulate accessibility” to affordable housing units by raising the nett household monthly income ceiling for eligible house buyers.
This means, for example, that a household with a nett monthly income of RM8,000, instead of RM6,000 previously, can now be eligible to buy a unit priced at RM200,000.
"I welcome the move because it will open up the units to a larger market. There are many affordable units in the market now, including those by private developers.
"If you set the limit too low, your pool of buyers will be small. It won't make the units inaccessible to those with lower income because there will still be enough units to go around... such a move is good for buyers and developers," he said. - The Malaysian Insider
