Don't evict tenants living for more than 10 years at PPR, says Sabah Umno rep

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah should reconsider its decision to evict people renting premises at People's Housing Projects (PPR) in the state for more than 10 years, says Jeffrey Noor Mohmed.

The Putatan Umno chief said that such a decision was seen as hasty and inappropriate because it burdens the tenants, the majority of whom are in the B40 group.

Jeffery said such an "action" can be seen as inhumane because many people living in such rented PPR schemes were not economically well off and continued to face hardships.

"They will find it difficult to find a house to rent as it will be very expensive," he said, referring to a notice by Sabah Housing and Urban Development Board (LPPB) for tenants who had rented the place for more than 10 years to vacate.

In a notice by LPPB, the state housing developer said that they received a "reprimand" from the National Audit Department, saying it was not following the procedures for tenants to vacate after 10 years occupying such rental units.

Jeffery said that recommendations were not rational as the Housing and Urban Development Board Enactment 1981 Article 37 clearly stated that the audit body's duty was only to audit the accounts of the institution.

"There is no authority given to the audit department to determine the policy that LPPB must follow.

"Why should LPPB comply with the reprimand when the real authority is under the Sabah State Minister of Local Government and Housing.

"Even if that is a rule, the state government needs to provide an explanation to the Audit Department and defend the PPR tenants, the majority of whom are B40," he said in a statement on Wednesday (June 21).

He also said that the state government needs to explain to the government auditors that Sabah still needs PPR housing projects since the need for the B40 group is so high.

The state government is unable to build more PPR for the people's needs, especially for the low-income group, he added.

"It should not evict those who have been living in PPR for more than 10 years who pay rent every month," he said, adding that the state government must consider whether tenants could buy the houses they are currently staying in.

"Forcing these people out will cause squatter colonies to grow like mushrooms around the capital because tenants will certainly not be able to rent a house let alone buy a new house," he added.

He also urged Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor to intervene.