Low-cost units in bad shape
The Star 30/9/2005

NIBONG TEBAL:Almost 80% of some 50,000 state-built low-cost housing units in Penang are in a bad shape and need urgent repairs.

State Housing Committee chairman Syed Amerrudin Syed Ahmad said most of the houses had external defects that needed to be rectified.

“These housing units have cracks on the walls, leaking pipes, bad electrical wiring and uneven pavements.

“The state has applied for a RM30mil allocation under the Ninth Malaysia Plan to repair all the government-built low-cost housing units,” he said at the balloting of Studio S low-cost units in Crescentia Park, Batu Kawan yesterday.

“We hope the house owners, especially flat dwellers, would do their part by settling their outstanding maintenance fees, ranging from RM5 to RM30 monthly.

“It would be pointless for us to repair their buildings if they do not co-operate by settling their dues,” he added.

He said the state spent about RM1mil annually on maintenance of the low-cost residences.

Earlier, he praised Crescentia Park developer Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd for being the first company to respond to the state government’s ‘20+20’ housing policy that was introduced on Jan 1.

Under the policy, housing developers were encouraged to allocate 20% of their projects for low-cost housing units and an-other 20% for low-medium cost (LMC) units.

The policy enabled households with an income of RM1,500 a month to own a unit.

He also commended the developer for introducing the special RM1 down-payment scheme for the low-cost housing units, as well as the RM1,000 down-payment scheme for its shoplot units meant for low-income entre preneurs.