By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Feb 26 — The Selangor administration prefers to maintain and improve the Smart Sewa scheme, its rent-to-own initiative, over the conventional method, citing higher rental collection rate and fewer operational challenges.
Speaking at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly sitting during his wind-up speech earlier today, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said under the scheme, the state government retains control of rented units rather than selling them outright, ensuring better management and long-term affordability.
“With the restructuring of the Selangor Housing and Property Board, home ownership under Smart Sewa has become more clearly defined under the state government.
“The company managing this scheme has successfully achieved a 99 per cent rental collection rate. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, when a moratorium was offered, some tenants continued paying rent as usual.
“Although there are maintenance costs, the scheme remains a housing ownership model that complements the needs of the people and the community,” he said, adding that various improvements have been made to the scheme to enhance its sustainability and accessibility since its inception in 2017.
Amirudin also said the state aims to increase the number of homes under the scheme to nearly 3,000 units by 2026, with over RM300 million already spent to purchase affordable homes for the programme.
[caption id="attachment_391425" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari addresses the Selangor State Legislative Assembly at Wisma DNS, Shah Alam, on February 26, 2025. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Later in his speech, Amirudin and state opposition leader Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali exchanged heated words about the sale of 897 acres of land in Kajang.
Azmin contended that the land should have been sold to Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) subsidiary PI Brilliant Bhd instead of to private developers, who allegedly intend to explore mining activities.
Addressing the claims, Amirudin said PKNS had received only one credible bid for the land, from private developer Trans Loyal Development Sdn Bhd, which offered RM9.57 per square foot, amounting to RM224.5 million.
He clarified that of the 897 acres, only 538 acres are viable for development.
The remaining 227 acres consist of hilly and waterlogged terrain classified as Level 3 and Level 4, while another 137 acres will be handed over to Tenaga Nasional Bhd and the Selangor Forestry Department, as agreed with the developer.
Amirudin also assured the assembly that the developer has committed to building affordable housing and that no quarrying activities will take place on the land.
“I would like to inform Hulu Kelang (Azmin) and the entire assembly that exploration has been conducted regarding quarry activities. Studies by the company and consultants have indicated that the area is unsuitable for quarrying.
“Nothing can proceed if the environmental impact assessment does not permit quarrying.
“The company involved has informed me they intend to develop low-cost housing in the area. I have said there is no issue, and that they may proceed with their application as usual through the Kajang Municipal Council and other authorities,” he said.
