KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 1): The 1Malaysia People's Housing (PR1MA) Bill 2011, tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday, was described as a wise move by the government to help those in the middle-income category own homes.

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung said, according to the bill, a corporation would be set up with committee members comprising senior federal government officers, and a minister as adviser.

"Through this, I believe the government can build affordable homes for those earning RM7,000 and below per month," he said at the Parliament lobby here.

He said, prior to this, his ministry was given the responsibility to construct houses under the People's Housing Project for households with a monthly income of RM2,500 and below.

The bill was introduced to monitor matters on development, housing, construction, infrastructure and facilities through the PR1MA housing programme, as well as enable a separate statutory body known as PR1MA Corporation Malaysia.

Pasir Mas Member of Parliament Datuk Ibrahim Ali said it was a considerate move by the government for the people, adding that middle-income buyers in the city and rural areas were desperate to own quality homes.

The Dewan Rakyat also passed the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) (Amendment) Bill 2011 on Wednesday. — Bernama