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Singles with
dependants qualify for low-cost homes
The Star
19/04/2004 BY FOONG PEK YEE KUALA LUMPUR: Single people in the low-income group will be allowed
to buy low-cost houses soon.
Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said
under a proposal to be tabled to the Cabinet by the end of the
month, singles with dependants – parents and siblings – would be
eligible for low-cost units.
He said this was among several proposals to ensure a cross-section
of the poor had access to affordable, suitable and comfortable
homes.
Pointing out that dependants need not necessarily be children, he
said the guidelines and assessment definitions to qualify a person
for a low-cost unit must be realistic.
“For instance, despite the guideline specifying the maximum monthly
income of RM1,500 for eligibility for a low-cost home, a person who
earns between RM1,800 and RM2,000 a month and who is taking care of
two aged parents, a wife and five children should also qualify.
“Other proposals will in-clude a ‘rent and sale’ scheme where part
of the rent will be converted into down payment after between five
and 10 years of occupation.
“Many poor people cannot save or raise RM5,000 for down payment of a
low-cost unit. Banks are also not giving them a 100% bank loan,” he
told a press conference at his ministry here yesterday.
Under existing guidelines, applicants should earn between RM750 and
RM1,500 a month and be married with children.
The ceiling price per unit is between RM42,000 and RM25,000,
depending on locality.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had said on Saturday
that a new formula to ascertain the eligibility of buyers of
low-cost houses was being devised by the ministry.
On claims of a 300,000 glut in low-cost houses, Ong said his
ministry would check and compile statistics to verify the situation
before finding ways to resolve it.
Ong explained that his ministry sets the policy and guidelines on
low-cost houses while registration of applicants, distribution and
sale came under the state government. |
