New policy will enable rakyat to buy quality and affordable houses

PRICES of houses in recent years have surged and many Malaysians are finding it difficult to buy a home. Recognising their predicament and knowing that policy action need to go beyond just providing low-cost houses, the Government has come up with the National Housing Policy (NHP) which aims to address the short to long-term purpose of providing public housing to a larger section of Malaysians.

StarBiz speak with Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung on issues ranging from the NHP to speculation to seek his opinion on what has now become a national issue affordable housing and speculative activity.

Datuk Chor Chee Heung: We are looking at Singapores Housing and Development Board model.

StarBiz: Whats in the detailed plan of the NHP?

Minister: To sum it up, it is to provide adequate housing with quality and harmonious living environment for the rakyat. These days, providing housing is not just about building a house. This is more towards the general publics perception of what the policy is all about.

There will be a detailed action plan on how each policy will be implemented, for the short to long term, and what are the agencies responsible. We have given it to the states for their comment.

Do you need the cooperation of the states for the NHP?

Of course. Not only the states but all government agencies as well. Cooperation from the states should not be a problem since housing is vital to the general population.

This plan has also been accepted by National Council for Local Government (MNKT).

-Th e STAR-