'Don't evict long-term tenants, build more low cost housing,' says Sabah consumer group

KOTA KINABALU: The state government should be building more low cost houses for the B40 group instead of evicting tenants, who have lived at the People Housing Scheme (PPR) for over 10 years.

Sabah West Coast Smart Consumers Association president David Chan said it was not right to force the tenants out as many of them are from the low income group and cannot afford to rent other houses or buy new homes.

"This will cause a lot of problems and we hope our government will look into the matter," he said in a statement on Saturday (June 24).

He said that Sabah Housing and Urban Development Board (LPPB) chairman Datuk Masiung Banah should consider building more low cost houses to meet the needs of the people.

Earlier this week, LPPB issued notices to PPR tenants to vacate their low-rental units.

Masiung said it was the policy for the tenants to find alternative accommodation within 10 years and allow for other deserving people to rent the PPR homes.

Deputy Chief Minister cum Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said those who were PPR tenants for over a decade had to re-apply to continue staying at these houses.

On Friday (June 24) Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the state would decide next week whether long-term tenants at the low cost rental houses need to be evicted.

Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Bung Moktar Radin said Saturday (June 26) that Masiung should have consulted the state government and the Chief Minister on this matter prior to making any statements or decisions.

"In the current economic climate, which is affecting more and more people, it is essential to understand the suffering of the people, particularly the B40 group," he said.