Several parties have raised concerns about the PPR social housing schemes built over 20 years ago, saying they are no longer conducive to habitation, especially for the elderly.
This second of a two-part article examines the Ministry of Housing and Local Government’s efforts in providing comfortable housing for the well-being of this vulnerable group.
There have been calls for the government to demolish the buildings built over 20 years ago under the People’s Housing Programme (PPR) following reports that they are no longer conducive to habitation for the elderly as well as other vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities and children.
According to a report titled ‘Decent Shelter for the Urban Poor: A Study of Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR)’ by Khazanah Research Institute (KRI), published in March 2023, a large portion of residential projects developed more than 20 years ago are no longer in good condition and have a negative impact on the quality of life of residents.
KRI’s findings also found that 10 percent of PPR dwellers comprised senior citizens aged 60 and above, while a majority of household heads were in the older age group, with a median age of 52-54.
Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye also recently voiced his concerns about the aging low-cost housing schemes, warning their conditions will deteriorate in the coming years, posing a significant challenge for the government.
PPR is a government housing programme implemented in 1982 to relocate squatters and to meet the housing needs of the low-income group (B40).
The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), however, told Bernama that for now, the government does not plan to demolish PPR housing schemes that are over 20 years old as “they are considered still safe for habitation”.
“Based on our study, the lifespan of the PPR buildings is between 50 and 100 years. So, the existing PPR housing is still safe for occupancy,” the ministry said in a written reply to questions submitted by Bernama.
KPKT said as of now, there are 35 PPR housing projects nationwide, involving 29,832 residential units, built more than 20 years ago.
REGULAR MONITORING
The ministry, nevertheless, recognises the need for efforts to meet the requirements of vulnerable groups. As such, it is planning and implementing various initiatives in phases for the well-being of the elderly residents of PPR schemes.
“The ministry is continually striving to ensure that every citizen, including those who require special support, has access to comfortable housing that meets their needs,” it said.
In this regard, the PPR schemes are regularly monitored to ensure problems are identified and addressed quickly, thus creating a comfortable and safe environment for all PPR residents, particularly the elderly.
According to KPKT, appropriate action will be taken to address any damage to facilities related to the residents’ daily needs such as water and electricity supplies and lifts.
In such cases, the ministry, through the National Housing Department, will immediately conduct inspections to identify the cause of problems, and qualified and experienced contractors will carry out the necessary repairs.
“KPKT is always committed to ensuring that the maintenance and repair of facilities in PPR are carried out properly to ensure the comfort and safety of all residents.
“Several proactive measures have been taken to achieve this goal, including appointing qualified and experienced companies for the maintenance of the lift systems in all PPR schemes equipped with such facilities.”
Beginning last year (2023), all prospective PPR residents are required to attend a civic consciousness course to expose them to their shared responsibilities in the maintenance of infrastructure and amenities in the housing projects concerned.
TOWARDS CONDUCIVE HOUSING
KPKT, through PLANMalaysia (previously known as the Department of Town and Country Planning), has also issued guidelines for planning, developing and designing settlements or housing for the elderly, encompassing landed residences, whether conventional or strata; multistorey residences; and specially constructed buildings.
“Through this, housing for the elderly will meet the criteria, namely they are affordable and promote community integration; ensure health and safety of residents; and are easy to access and user-friendly, thereby making such residences more accessible to Malaysians as the nation proceeds towards attaining aging nation status by 2030,” it added.
The ministry also said currently implemented PPR schemes have universal design standards incorporated into the design of the buildings and amenities, which take not only senior citizens into consideration but also children and the disabled.
“Since it was initiated in 1982 during the Fourth Malaysia Plan, PPR has undergone a series of improvements to remain relevant and meet the current needs of the people.
“For instance, in the early stages, PPR units had a built-up area of only 60.38 square metres (650 square feet) with only one or two rooms and limited facilities. But under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, the size of PPR units was increased to 65.03 square metres (700 sq ft).”
And, starting from 2022, their built-up area was further increased to 69.67 square metres (750 sq ft) in line with the government’s aim to enhance the livability of the low-cost flats.
“For the comfort and well-being of the elderly and other residents, KPKT is also focusing on the design and internal layout of PPR units to make them more comfortable.
“We are also adding and upgrading facilities at PPR such as prayer rooms, recycling centres, multipurpose halls and broadband Internet services,” the ministry said.
KPKT added to encourage the involvement of the elderly in community activities, the ministry is now proactively implementing community empowerment activities, including human capital development programmes and physical and mental care programmes, to ensure the well-being of this group.
NEW MODEL
The ministry said it is also developing mechanisms for housing developers to build better homes aimed at meeting the needs of residents from the B40 group. It includes incorporating features that promote health, recreation and independent living.
KPKT is also in the process of rebranding PPR as the People's Residency Programme (PRR), with the main goal of providing public housing that aligns with the country's progress.
“Through this new model, the government will strive to ensure that the quality of public housing in our country is on a par with residences provided by Singapore's Housing Development Board and houses in Japan and South Korea,” it said.
PRR schemes are envisioned as integrated and sustainable residential developments featuring green spaces and community centres, and ensuring high-quality commercial viability.
According to the ministry, under PRR, state governments are requested to provide land, at no cost, deemed suitable for the location of the housing projects concerned.
This will ensure the funds allocated for the projects are fully used for building the houses without incurring land purchase costs, thereby guaranteeing the construction of higher-quality housing for the people,
The PRR projects, equipped with enhanced facilities, reflect the government's commitment to align the direction of social housing with MADANI values which emphasise connectivity, accessibility, sustainability, livability, quality and mobility.
“The new (housing) developments will incorporate the use of green technology such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting and reuse systems, and energy- and water-efficient equipment and appliances,” the ministry added.
-- BERNAMA
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