Housing, Local Govt Ministry moots bigger homes for poor

PETALING JAYA (June 16): The Housing and Local Government Ministry’s National Community Policy which is slated to launch in August may include proposals for larger homes for the poor, said its Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin.

The proposal entails enlarging the People’s Housing Project (PPR) flats to at least 900 sq ft from the present 600 sq ft, she told Bernama.

“I do not want the PPR living quarters and those for the B40 group to be small like birds’ nests,” she said.

The B40 group is defined as the bottom 40% of households earning up to RM3,900 per month.

She added that she would propose these provisions for bigger homes be made under the 12^th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025).

“The rooms, living room and corridors must be comfortable to be in. There must also be facilities such as recreational areas, surau, hall and library.

“This will give space for the residents to participate in recreational activities and relax their minds within the community instead of having to go elsewhere.

“We want them to feel comfortable in their own environment and community and communicate with one another in their own group,” she said.’

Zuraida said the National Community Policy would act as a framework for solving local community development problems.

“The policy will outline guidelines, action plans and list programmes for implementation by the relevant departments and agencies to shape a civilised society,” she said.

According to Zuraida, the policy was vital for building a developed nation based on the mentality of the people, the way they managed their life and the environment to symbolise a progressive and mature nation.

The measures under the policy will initially be implemented in housing areas under her ministry’s jurisdiction before it is extended to other agencies and sectors, she said.