Cash assistance schemes available for thousands to ease cost of living
Johor government is on track to build 100,000 affordable homes in the next four years, says Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
He said 25,791 homes had been completed so far.
“It is not an easy target but I am sure we will be able to achieve it by 2030,” he said when giving out cash aid to first-time homeowners at Larkin Stadium in Johor Baru.
Recipients of the aid included those making their first house purchase, buyers moving into their first home and individuals who were renting.
Onn Hafiz said to date, six phases of the state’s cash assistance scheme have benefitted 21,236 residents, involving an allocation of RM84mil.
He added that Johor was committed to having a comprehensive housing policy that benefitted everyone in the state, regardless of race.
Under the scheme, the state government gives a one-off cash payment of RM5,000 to first-time home buyers, RM2,000 for those moving into their homes for the first time and RM2,500 for those renting a house.
“This assistance is provided to ease the cost of living, especially for those raising families in rented homes.
“We hope to expand this initiative next year with announcements during the state budget in November,” he said, adding that housing would continue to be a main agenda for the state government.
He also hoped these housing initiatives would be expanded to areas outside Johor Baru.
State housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said applications for the cash schemes would be migrated online beginning next year.
Currently, he said, those eligible for one-off cash assistance must travel to Kota Iskandar to submit their documents manually.
“This can be tiring for those who have to travel from Segamat or Muar.
“We hope to make the entire process digital by next February,” he added.
Mohd Jafni hoped the state government would continue with the one-off cash payment scheme next year.
He urged the public to continue submitting their applications for the cash schemes before the Nov 30 deadline.
He noted that affordable homes priced below RM150,000 remained the most sought-after in the state.
“Our affordable homes are between RM42,000 and RM300,000, depending on the person’s income,” he said, adding that they were also in the process of getting funds to repaint high-rise apartments.
