Affordable housing and PPR flats key to reducing urban poverty in KK, says Shahelmy

KOTA KINABALU: Affordable housing and people’s housing projects (PPR) could ease urban poverty rates in the city and suburban areas near here, says Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.

Shahelmey, who was also state Works Minister, said from the data received on the population in the city and Putatan, it was found that a large number of residents were from the B40 and M40 group.

"And as far as I am aware, the prices of properties in the city up to Putatan here are high, for example, a simple double-storey terrace house costs over RM500,000 at least while apartment units are reaching almost RM400,000 each," he said during an event in Putatan, Thursday (March 16).

He said for this type of pricing, most low and middle-income earners could not or found it very hard to afford.

Shahelmey, who was Putatan MP, said that the prices of properties and lands would only go higher.

"That is why we need to find ways to provide affordable housing and the PPR homes for them," he said.

He said two sites for a proposed PPR project that were expected to benefit some 500 to 800 households, had been identified but works to inspect its feasibility were still ongoing.

"For now, one site has been approved in principle for the PPR project but we also need to get funding from the Federal government to get this plan rolling," added Shahelmey.

He said that it was important that low and middle-income earners live closer to the city and where they work to reduce transportation costs among other things.

He said additional living expenses contribute to urban poverty.

Asked whether only those truly eligible could apply for the PPR units, Shahelmey said yes, and that it would depend on the integrity of all agencies and civil servants involved to ensure this.

In previous years, there had been complaints from applicants that people who seemed to be earning more got their PPR applications approved whereas those earning less and deserved to get the assistance more, did not.