Johor says banks too stringent in giving out housing loans

Ismail (third from left) and Hoe (on Ismail

JOHOR BARU: Banks are becoming overly cautious in disbursing housing loans to buyers, even first timers who meet the more stringent requirements set by Bank Negara.

State Secretary Datuk Ismail Karim said loan approvals should be looked at on a case-by-case basis instead of a blanket approval system. He said state authorities have received complaints from rejected first-time buyers who were qualified financially to buy affordable houses in Johor.