New housing and local government minister sworn in

PETALING JAYA (May 21): Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin (pictured) has been sworn in as Housing and Local Government Minister, along with 11 other ministers, at the Istana Negara today, reported Bernama.

The three-term MP and PKR Wanita chief helms her portfolio at a crucial juncture in the property industry, with housing affordability undoubtedly top of the list of concerns, among other reasons listed in EdgeProp.my’s open letter to the government.

Zuraida holds a degree in Social Science from the University of Singapore, as well as almost 15 years of experience in sales and marketing including a stint as associate advertising director at Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising and national field sales manager at Avon (M) Bhd.

Notably, she is also an avid soft ball player with her sporting career highlights including her roles as national coach and national team manager.

Property industry experts weigh in on her CV and more importantly, what issues she should urgently attend to.

The Association of Valuers, Property Managers, Estate Agents and Property Consultants in the Private Sector Malaysia (PEPS) president Foo Gee Jen:

“I believe the private sector exposure, and her background in market research will be useful in giving her an insight into the needs of the needs of housing and the market.

“During this market situation, what is most important is an understanding of the market and good advisors to support them.

“She must learn her trade fast. Managing people in the ministry is most important. So is identifying and addressing social needs. Affordability is most crucial now. 

“She must also push to gazette all the structure and local plans, because it is crucial to set the right tone for development."

Real Estate and Housing Developers Association (Rehda) president Datuk Seri FD Iskandar:

“We would like to congratulate her on her appointment.

“The one-stop agency for affordable homes would be something that we are looking forward to. Ease of end-financing especially for first-time house buyers with the margins that they require is another priority that we would like to see.

“The setting up of the big data agency to prevent mismatch of certain types of properties in certain locations is also another item that is top of the agenda.

“One of her main priorities would be reducing the cost of doing business.

“We hope that she will engage with the stakeholders of the property industry as there is a lot to do and we are willing to assist. We hope the engagement with the stakeholders, namely Rehda, can start as soon as possible.”

National House Buyers Association honorary Secretary-General Chang Kim Loong:

“Let’s admit it — there is no solution to salvaging abandoned housing projects. Our current system of monitoring, supervising, policing and enforcement by the Ministry of Housing are lacking and lax in capabilities.

“Hence, we need to prevent the culminating issue of housing projects abandonment from happening with the innocent and naïve Rakyat falling victims to abandoned housing development projects.

“The noble desire to buy a home has now become a nightmare both financially and emotionally to the victims.

“With the new Pakatan Harapan (PH) government, we wish to urge them to adopt the built then sell (BTS) 10:90 which is a far safer mode of home delivery.

“Under the BTS 10:90 system, house buyers only need to fork out the initial down payment of 10% when booking a house and do not need to make any further payment until the vacant possession of the property is delivered to them.

“As such, the servicing of the end-financing loans do not kick in until the houses are completed with all the certifications obtained and keys with vacant possession are presented to the buyers.

“After numerous lab discussions and meetings with industry stakeholders that were chaired by the highest of authority ie Ketua Setiausaha Negara under the Special Task Force, the committee agreed to go ahead.

“The laws are already in place since 2012 and we just need the political will to make it happen.

“Most of the PH politicians have constantly highlighted issues of the victims of abandoned projects. It now falls upon them to make the BTS 10:90 system a reality since they are now the government.

“It would be too big a paradigm change to immediately implement the BTS 10:90. Perhaps, the government could consider a gradual ‘phase-in’ period ie

●  BTS 10:90 mandatory for affordable housing category in 2019.

● Subsequently, 50% BTS 10:90 concept to be adopted for all housing developments by 2020.

●  By 2022, all housing developments mandatorily adopt the BTS 10:90.”