Abg Jo: State’s housing policy to be amended

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Abang Johari unties a ribbon attached to a lemang to get the festive gathering going.

Abang Johari unties a ribbon attached to a lemang to get the festive gathering going.

MIRI: In view of the rising cost of houses in the state, the Ministry of Housing is in the process of amending the housing policy in order to build more affordable houses. Its minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, said the proposed amendments to the policy would be presented at the next state cabinet meeting.

Speaking at a Hari Raya gathering organised by the Malay Community Chiefs’ Council of Miri (Makmum) at Miri Civic Centre on Sunday, he said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem had agreed in principle to the amendments as the current housing policy was already more than 15 years old and no longer practical.

Abang Johari said the current price of houses was beyond the reach of even those earning around RM5,000 per month.

“The price of houses nowadays has drastically increased. For example, the price of terrace houses is now starting at RM300,000.” With amendments to the housing policy, he said, the state government plans to build more affordable houses costing around RM250,000. The government also plans to build houses in the RM180,000 to RM250,000 price range.

Touching on the new housing project here, he said the affordable housing project at Sungai Rait Miri has been completed. Under the 11th Malaysia Plan, his ministry plans to build 1,000 units affordable houses in Pujut Padang Kerbau and Permyjaya.

On another matter, Abang Johari urged community leaders to be familiar with government policies as they serve as the bridge between the people and the government at the grassroots level. At the gathering, he announced a Minor Rural Project (MRP) grant of RM50,000 for Makmum’s fund.

Present were Assistant Minister of Early Childhood and Family Development Rosey Yunus, Sibuti MP Ahmad Lai Bujang, Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat, Miri Resident Antonio Kahti Galis, Miri Mayor Lawrence Lai and Makmum patron Temenggong Abdul Rahman Fadzail.