PETALING JAYA, Feb 13 — The government has allocated RM185 million for facility repairs at 358 People’s Housing Programme (PPR) flats nationwide this year.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it is a priority for the Madani Government to ensure the welfare of PPR residents, especially the urban poor.
“Two years ago, we spent RM100 million, so over the past two years, RM285 million has been spent, but I have no problem; 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 lifts don’t work, the toilets don’t flush, and the neighbours don’t know you, how could you say home is heaven? That is why the Madani Government is fulfilling its responsibility (to repair facilities), but this effort must be welcomed by the community.”
Anwar said this when officiating the Community Forum, or Forkom, with the support of Think City, at the Lembah Subang 1 PPR here today.
In his speech, the Prime Minister announced an allocation of RM1.2 million for repairs at the Lembah Subang 1 PPR, especially for lifts that often break down.
Anwar also asked the Housing and Local Government Ministry to expedite lift repairs so 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 Raya. No! I won’t accept that. By next week, I want a report on whether (repairs are) progressing,” said the Prime Minister, who added that he wants to make Lembah Subang 1 PPR a model for PPRs nationwide.
Meanwhile, Anwar asked state governments and local authorities to list the residents living in the PPR flats to ensure the rental rates are reasonable.
He said issues such as rent arrears should be submitted to authorities, as well as to assemblymen and MPs, so all parties can work towards a solution.
“If the rent is too high, maybe we can lower it.
“As the government has spent money on providing housing, the residents must know 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
