Govt Allocates RM185 Million For Repair Of 358 PPR Flats Nationwide - PM

PETALING JAYA, Feb 13 (Bernama) -- The government has allocated RM185 million for the repair of facilities at 358 People's Housing Programme (PPR) flats nationwide this year.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the effort was a priority for the MADANI Government to ensure that the welfare of PPR residents, especially the urban poor, continues to be safeguarded.

“Two years ago, we spent RM100 million, so over the past two years, RM285 million has been spent but I have no problem because this is not a waste because it is to repair lifts and improve facilities.

“If you live in a house that is in poor condition where the lift doesn't work, the toilet doesn't flush, the neighbours don't know you, how could you say that home is heaven? That is why the MADANI Government is taking responsibility (to repair), but this effort must be welcomed by the community.” 

Anwar said this when speaking when officiating the Community Forum (Forkom) with the support of Think City, at Lembah Subang 1 PPR here today.

In his speech, the Prime Minister also announced an allocation of RM1.2 million for the Lembah Subang 1 PPR repair project, especially involving lifts that often break down.

Anwar also asked the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) to expedite the repair of the lifts so that residents in the area can enjoy comfort by Ramadan.

“After announcing it today, I don’t want to hear that nothing has been done for the next two weeks, or that the lift broke down again after Ramadan or after (Hari) Raya. No! I won’t accept that. So, by next week, I want a report on whether it is progressing or not,” said the Prime Minister who also wanted to make the Lembah Subang 1 PPR a model for all PPRs in the country.

Meanwhile, Anwar also asked the state government and local authorities to list the residents living in the PPR flats to ensure that the rental rates charged were reasonable.

He said that if there were any issues arising such as rent arrears, it should be submitted to the relevant authorities, as well as to the assemblyman and Member of Parliament, to find the best solution.

“If the rent is too high, maybe we can lower it.

“As the government has spent money on providing the housing, the residents must know that the rent must be paid. Maybe we can discuss, we can negotiate a little (to lower the rent) but I want to stress that the rent must be paid. If we want to live comfortably, each of us must do our part,” he said.

-- BERNAMA