Abdul Karim (third left), Joseph (left), Dr. Ngui (second left), Alan (third right) and Sim (second right) preparing to cut the ribbon as a symbolic sign to mark the opening of the property roadshow at Boulevard Shopping Mall here yesterday. — Photo by Chang Lee Fong
KUCHING: The housing ministry is studying the proposal on the densification of property for the development of residential properties.
Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah told reporters that the housing ministry is currently working on the details.
“The government is studying the densification in details. It is not finalised yet.
“Hopefully, an announcement will be made soon,” he told the media after officiating Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (Sheda) Kuching branch first Home and Property roadshow this year at Boulevard Shopping Mall here yesterday.
He said there will be some sort of reform for the housing market in the future, believing that the move on the densification of property development will help reduce prices of residential houses.
Meanwhile, Sheda Kuching branch chairman Dr. Christopher Ngui in a statement said the housing market can still be sustainable if the government can consider densification of landed property from eight units to 14 units per acre and high rise property from 24 units to 50 units per acre.
He observed land prices has appreciated over the last five years especially in the urban areas.
Ngui noted the housing market has slowed down recently.
On the proposed government levy on foreign workers, Ngui suggested the government to consider reducing the quantum and to defer the implementation date or put it on hold until the current economic situation improves.
Apart from that, he said, “Sheda Kuching branch is pleased that the state government is abolishing the quit rent for land starting middle of March.
“We wish that this will not only be applicable for the rural areas but also in town areas,” he said.
Meanwhile, organising chairman of Sheda Kuching branch first Home and Property roadshow Alan Wong appealed to bankers to be more flexible in the processing of housing loans.
The move can accommodate the vast number of potential house buyers, especially those who are in the borderline cases to qualify for their housing loans, he said.
He also urged banks to look into offering lower mortgage rates to increase affordability for first time home buyers entering the property market.
On another note, Abdul Karim commended the efforts by Sheda Kuching branch in its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme to provide contribution to a few non-govermental organisations (NGOs). These NGOs are the Sarawak Community Policing Association and The Dyslexia Association of Sarawak.
Abdul Karim believed safety and location were of importance for house buyers when choosing to buy a home.
Thus, he noted the presence for instance the Sarawak Community Policy Association will be able to provide information to the public and educate them.
Also present at the opening of Sheda Kuching branch first Home and Property roadshow were Sheda’s president Joseph Wong, Sheda Kuching branch advisor Sim Kiang Chiok, Sheda Kuching branch secretary George Ting, Sheda Kuching branch treasurer Dr. Richard Tan, Kuching branch general manager Tan Teck Kian and a few committee members.