State plans board to manage low-cost units

02/08/2002 The Star

MALACCA: The state government has decided to set up a housing board to manage low-cost houses and flats built by the public sector, and to look into social ills.  

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam said currently there was no agency to monitor the management of the low-cost houses and flats. 

“This has caused problems in managing the properties,” he said.  However, the state government has yet to appoint a person to lead the board. 

Speaking to reporters after chairing the state exco meeting, Mohd Ali said squatters in the state would also be asked to move into low-cost houses or flats. 

“They will be charged RM50 a month for rental,” he said, adding that they would be charged RM150 a month to rent medium-cost houses. 

Based on a study carried out by Universiti Sains Malaysia and the state government, there were a total of 67 squatters along the Malacca river, some in Alor Gajah and Jasin. 

“The target of the state government is to have zero squatters by year 2004,” he said.