NHRA Suggests Abandoned Government Quarters Rent Out To Low Income Earners

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- The National Housing Rental Association (NHRA) suggests that the government utilise abandoned government buildings or quarters by renovating them and renting them out to low-income earners.

Its chairman Prakash P. Kalivanan said abandoned government-owned buildings can be rented at reasonable rates to help the urban poor.

 He also suggested the government build houses that are affordable for rent according to the income category, targeting the B40 and M40 groups.

"If the government does not have the allocation to repair buildings or government quarters that are damaged, the cost of the repair can be borne by the tenant by deducting the rental.

“NHRA is prepared to assist in managing the repair and rental of these abandoned government buildings, he told Bernama recently.

Prakash said the two-pronged strategy would not only prevent government quarters from being left idle but also benefit the less affordable in need of housing in key economic areas such as big cities, while also enabling the government to earn revenue from the rental. 

"Members of Parliament and the local authorities need to play a role in identifying abandoned buildings in their respective areas that can be converted into affordable housing. This can also prevent the existence of ghost towns," he said.

-- BERNAMA