Fair to evict unqualified Sabah PPR tenants, says consumer group

KOTA KINABALU: The state government's decision to evict only those not qualified to remain as tenants at the People's Housing Programme (PPR) is a fair decision, says Sabah West Coast Smart Consumers Association.

Its president David Chan said such action would allow for more deserving people under the B40 group to rent the low-cost units.

"I believe those tenants who are no longer eligible to rent such premises should make way for others on the long waiting list," he said on Thursday (June 29).

He said this in response to the state government's decision to only allow qualified PPR tenants to continue to stay after the 10-year rental period expires.

On Wednesday (June 28), Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam said those wanting to continue renting the low-cost houses after the 10-year period must write in for extension to Sabah Housing and Urban Development Board (LPPB) for consideration.

Approval would also require the greenlight of the state Local Government and Housing Ministry.

In apologising for any inconvenience caused to tenants by the controversial June 19 LPPB eviction notice, he said there were inaccuracies in the notice as it was only meant for tenants who are disqualified from continuing to stay in the e PPR units.

Chan said it was a good move to allow those still in the B40 group to apply to remain in the rental units.

"What is important is that the units are occupied by those who are in need of the assistance," he said.

He added those who had the opportunity to rent such units but were now in a better financial position should be fair to the others needing such assistance.

Chan, meanwhile, said the state should not develop low-cost housing within the city limits as it involves acquisition of expensive land.

"Such housing should be located in the suburbs of the city to avoid traffic congestion.

"It is important for town planning to plan the city's infrastructure and development properly," said Chan whose association initially urged the government not to evict B40 group when the first notice was issued.