Leasehold properties in Negri can now convert to freehold, says MB

SEREMBAN: All house owners in Negri Sembilan whose properties fall under the leasehold category can now apply to convert them to freehold, says Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.

The Mentri Besar said as long as they have been owning the properties before May 9, 2018, they can submit their applications at the district land office.

This was one of the pledges made by the state Pakatan Harapan in its manifesto before the last general election.

"Prior to this, we had only allowed house owners who lived in a few taman (residential areas) in each district to apply to convert the status of their property.

"But we are now opening this to all residential property owners in the state as the respective land offices will be able to process the applications," he told reporters after chairing the state exco meeting.

Asked how long it will take the authorities to approve the applications, Aminuddin said this depended on whether all documents were in order.

"It may take some time as the state exco will also have to approve every application," he said.

Aminuddin said the applications will be charged a fee which will be based on the size of their house.

However, he said those living in the 40 Chinese new villages and 19 Kampung Tersusun in the state will have to wait a little longer as the state authorities will have to obtain approval from the National Land Council before their applications can be processed.

He said the state government has written to the council and was waiting for a reply.

"We hope our request is approved, failing which we may have to look at Plan B to assist the owners," he said without elaborating.

On a separate matter, Aminuddin said 80 contingents involving some 5,000 individuals will take part in a march-past in conjunction with National Day on Aug 31.

The event will be held at the MBS Padang.

"We had to reject many applications especially from non-governmental organisations to limit the crowd.

"It is also my hope that every one of us will take the effort to fly the Jalur Gemilang at our homes, offices or workplaces for this once-a-year event," he added.