IPOH: Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, the Perak Mentri Besar, has suggested that vacant government quarters be allocated to staff from other departments.
He emphasised that negotiations between government departments should occur to prevent these buildings from going to waste.
"For decades, we have observed government quarters, especially those under federal agencies and for teachers, being left unoccupied.
"I understand that some teachers, particularly those teaching in their hometowns, prefer to live with their parents rather than in the quarters," he said during a press conference after the Perak Cooperatives Movement appreciation ceremony on Monday (Dec 16).
"Some buildings are five-storey high, with the upper levels left vacant, which can lead to animals moving in.
"This situation causes discomfort for tenants on the lower levels, prompting them to leave," he added.
Saarani commented on this issue after visiting government quarters and meeting civil servants in Larut on Sunday (Dec 15).
He highlighted the potential for quarters previously used by one department to be repurposed for another.
"If, for example, teachers are not residing in a quarter, other civil servants should be able to occupy it, as it remains under federal government jurisdiction.
"I have informed the federal government about this multiple times, yet no action seems forthcoming," he stated.
