AFFORDABLE housing units should be built in Bekok, Segamat, to retain young talents and realise the constituency’s potential.
Bekok assemblyman Tan Chong said he had been receiving complaints from locals on the lack of affordable homes in this area of Johor, which included the town of Chaah.
“Back in 2018, the Federal Government, through Syarikat Perumahan Negara Bhd, had planned to build affordable homes in Desa Temu Jodoh, Chaah.
“However, the development was shelved following the change of administration after the 14th General Election.
“The constituents of Bekok are mostly low- and middle-income earners and they are looking forward to purchasing their own affordable housing,” he told StarMetro.
Hoping that the government would look into the matter, Tan said he had raised the issue at last year’s state assembly sitting.
He said state housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor replied that he would look into it.
Tan said many young people in Bekok had settled down in other towns and cities as there were more job opportunities and affordable housing options.
“Since the Electric Train Service project – involving stops in Labis and Bekok – is in its final stages, we can expect that the public transport system will bring economic benefits to people in the area.
“Labis and Bekok also have popular eco-tourism spots such as hot springs and eco-forests.
“We need young talents to help to realise the area’s potential, and I believe that having affordable housing can attract them to stay,” he added.
Tan said he hoped Bekok would benefit from economic and tourism spillovers from the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone initiative.
In response, Mohd Jafni said the construction of affordable housing units did not depend on demand alone.
“Other important factors such as land suitability, land status, surrounding developments and ability of the developers also come into play when determining a project,” he said.
He admitted that the number of affordable housing units was inadequate to cater to needs in all 56 state constituencies, but Johor government was working to change that.
“In December last year, 14 state constituencies had yet to have Johor affordable housing scheme (RMMJ) units.
“After 24 meetings held with 105 developers, we have reduced the number to six constituencies this year,” he said.
For constituencies yet to have any RMMJ units, Mohd Jafni said the state government would look at other suitable affordable housing schemes such as Rumah Kasih Johor or Rumah Prihatin Johor.
He said the state was targeting to build 30,000 RMMJ units by 2026.
“Through the Johor government, Federal Government and developers’ collaboration, 13,461 units have been built and keys handed over to the owners as of November,” he said.
“By 2025, we aim to complete another 8,061 RMMJ units.”
