Check on low-cost unit owners
30/05/2007 NST

KLANG: Owners of low-cost homes who rent out their units will be the focus of a census by the local authorities here.

The Building Department under the Klang Municipal Council will be conducting the census following complaints from councillors at the full board meeting yesterday.

The councillors had claimed that many owners of low-cost homes were renting their units out to foreigners and locals from other states.

Low-cost homes are meant for the poor and deserving but many are allegedly abusing the privilege.

"The results of the census will be debated by the council and recommendations will be forwarded to the state government," said MPK president Mislan Tugiu.

Councillor Alex Thiagara- san said the situation was unfair to those who genuinely needed low-cost homes.

He said many who had homes elsewhere were getting low-cost units and renting them out. "In some instances, homes which are meant for small families are being occupied by 10 or even 15 foreigners in one unit."

Councillor Datuk Dr Teh Kim Poo said the practice had caused an influx of foreigners and locals from other states in certain neighbourhoods. This could lead to an increase in crime and social problems.

Dr Teh said the abuse would exacerbate the shortage of low-cost homes in the state.