Johor's allocation of RM58mil insufficient to rejuvenate all low-cost flats in state, says exco member

KOTA TINGGI: The Johor government has allocated RM58mil to rejuvenate low-cost flats in the state, says Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor.

However, the Johor Housing and Local Government Committee chairman added that the allocation was insufficient.

"RM58mil can only cover piping and wiring maintenance for about five low-cost flats," he said, adding that some, like Flat Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, are over 40 years old.

"For Taman Ungku Tun Aminah alone, we need about RM18mil to repair all the damage. The cost is very high and that is why we need help from the Federal Government," he said at the 1Malaysia People's Housing Programme (PR1MA) Residensi Kota Tinggi key handing over ceremony and Hari Raya open house at Jalan Kulai-Kota Tinggi here on Monday (May 15).

The programme was launched by Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming.

Mohd Jafni said this when asked to comment on Johor's Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar's statement on his disappointment with the poor maintenance and cleanliness at low-cost flats in the state.

"The Ruler met the minister and requested for the Federal Government to provide a special allocation.

"Usually, low-cost flats such as people's housing projects (PPR) and rumah sewa kerajaan (RSK) have a special allocation under the government.

"Private low-cost flats, however, are usually managed by a joint management body or managing committee.

"Sadly, 70% are unable to collect maintenance fees as those staying in these flats are not making payments," he explained.

Mohd Jafni, who is also Bukit Permai assemblyman, added that the state government had identified about 10 low-cost flats in bad condition.