Madani Housing Blocks Initiative Proves Government Cares About People’s Problems

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- The government initiative to incorporate MADANI housing blocks in every new residential project to help the low-income group own homes in the capital proves that the government is concerned about the plight of people who are still not homeowners.

Former Kuala Lumpur mayor Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan said the price offered must also be affordable.

“Projects that will be implemented later should not only benefit developers and the set prices should not be too high,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

"Discussions also need to be done to also implement the initiative in the border areas of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor so that congestion in the capital can be reduced."

He also believes that the implementation of new housing projects also requires new planning as land in Kuala Lumpur is increasingly limited.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim instructed the Federal Territories Department and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to incorporate MADANI housing blocks in every new residential project so that the lower income group can own homes.

He said this matter was an important condition set to ensure that new housing projects could be approved, thereby benefitting the people.

Meanwhile, gig sector worker Muhammad Solihin Marzuki, 31, said the initiative reflects the government's commitment to ensure that the B40 group also has the opportunity to own affordable housing.

"Most of the housing projects in the capital currently involve very high costs and it is beyond our ability. This government initiative to some extent gives us a 'fighting chance' to own a house," he said.

In line with this, private employee Elin Mastura Mohd Khir, 29, hopes that a mechanism can be introduced to ensure that the MADANI housing blocks, which are for the low-income group, is not monopolised by certain parties.

"I very much agree with the government's move, but it needs to be seen how the government can ensure that this initiative really 'reaches' the target group.

"Therefore, I recommend that individuals who have 'declared' their total household income through the Central Database Hub (PADU ) system be only eligible to apply or buy a home under the MADANI housing blocks," added Elin.

-- BERNAMA