Akmal Nasrullah, pictured here meeting residents of Taman Kim Teng Park in Johor Baru on Dec 18, says the Local Government Development Ministry considers reviving sick housing projects a priority.
JOHOR BARU: The Local Government Development Ministry will work closely with state governments to identify and solve critical issues under its jurisdiction, says Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
Akmal Nasrullah, who was sworn in less than two weeks ago, said he would need some time for discussions and briefings with departments under the ministry first.
"I am focusing on getting briefed by the relevant agencies to better understand and carry out my responsibilities.
ALSO READ: Housing comes under my ministry, says Nga
"However, I believe that it is important for us to have good relations with all state governments, especially when it comes to housing matters.
"Good collaboration among the Federal, state and local governments is vital as we move forward.
"I have yet to hold talks with any state government but both the minister (Nga Kor Ming) and I understand that this is crucial," he told reporters after meeting residents of Taman Kim Teng Park here on Sunday (Dec 18).
Akmal Nasrullah was asked if there had been any discussions with the Johor government on the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme.
On Dec 6, Johor housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor had urged Putrajaya to review the conditions for the MM2H programme.
ALSO READ: 'Review MM2H conditions to reduce overhang'
He said over 80% of unsold properties in the state are service apartments with an average price between RM500,000 and RM1mil.
"We hope the Federal Government will review the stricter conditions set for MM2H, which was reactivated last year after being suspended in 2020.
"This will allow (foreigners) to buy unsold properties within a higher price range," he said.
On another matter, Akmal Nasrullah said addressing the problem of "sick" and abandoned housing projects nationwide was one of the ministry's priorities.
"The minister has said that we will revamp the National Housing Policy in an effort to address this issue.
ALSO READ: Johor govt committed to reviving ailing housing projects, says exco man
"This is among other efforts to be undertaken by the ministry as many projects are affected by this problem," he said.
Asked about the Dec 16 Batang Kali landslide that has claimed 24 lives so far, he said he would leave it to Nga.
"It is a very specific and detailed issue. As such, I believe it will be best if we have only one person (speaking) from the ministry to ensure we give (consistent) messages," he added.
