Abang Johari Tun Openg shows the text for his ministry’s winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building yesterday.
THE Ministry of Housing has proposed a new affordable housing policy and guidelines to the State Planning Authority (SPA).
Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said the new policy would involve major enhancement to the state’s approach to affordable housing.
“The proposal covers among others, improved changes on the design, planning requirements, and maximum selling price of the low-cost and affordable housing units,” he said in his winding-up speech during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting yesterday.
Abang Johari said the main objectives of the new proposed policy are to increase the supply of affordable housing through private sector participation to address the issue of housing affordability among low- and middle-income segments; to control house prices for low-medium and medium-cost houses so that these categories of houses will be affordable for the target groups; to improve housing design standards towards ensuring a more liveable and conducive housing unit that could meet the needs and expectations of house buyers; and to leverage on new housing opportunities and address urban sprawl.
He said key recommendations under the new housing policy proposal include houses to be built under the proposed 30 per cent quota are divided into two categories – low-medium and medium price units instead of just one category.
“This would involve the creation of affordable housing for those with a monthly gross household income of below RM5,000 but above RM3,000, and also those above RM5,000 but below RM7,000.
“This would thus help to address the housing need of the middle-income group as well apart from the low-income segment,” he said.
He added that other key recommendations include the increase in the size of houses and improvement to design and specifications; development above 10 acres would be required to build both low-medium and medium cost houses with 50 per cent of each category, catering to different income brackets for middle-class house buyers; maximum permissible density for low-medium price house and flats to be increased to mitigate high cost of land in urban areas and reduce overall development costs; and low-cost flat or apartment to be provided with lift service with the price of the unit to be increased accordingly.
“In terms of general outcomes of the new affordable housing policy proposal, the state government seeks to facilitate the delivery of well-designed housing that is socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable such as provide minimal yet comfortable, pleasant and safe accommodation; provide accommodation on sites with good access to public services, amenities, facilities and employment opportunities; achieve a balance between long-term cost efficiency and good design; consider any other housing and non-residential development on the site and on adjoining sites under the mixed development project model; is attractive and fits into its neighbourhood; and a housing environment that is secure and safe,” added Abang Johari.