By Brad Rantayy
MIRI, Nov 9: Housing and Local Government Ministry has no qualms in building more affordable houses in Sarawak but cooperation from the state to provide sufficient land is needed.
Its minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said the federal government is interested to invest more funds for affordable housing projects and is currently in the process of streamlining policies (between states and federal) to provide more affordable homes for the people.
The housing ministry is looking to build at least 20,000 units of affordable houses for sabah and Sarawak under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
“The cost of houses can be reduced when the state government provide us land for the purpose,” she said after presenting house keys to 782 new home owners at Vista Perdana Phase II, Permyjaya, here today.
She added that developers, via the new policy that also covers design and concept of the houses, will have to build a house more than 850 sq feet in size.
“We want people to feel comfordable with the house design and size,” she added.
Zuraida also raised the importance of community empowerment within housing areas to encourage cooperation and close-knit relations, especially when it comes to looking out for each other and safety of the neighbourhood.
This could curb theft and vandalism in the residential area, she said.
Miri MP Dr Michael Teo and Senadin Assemblyman Datuk Lee Kim Shin were present at the event. — DayakDaily
