SUBANG: Local leaders of the public housing projects (PPRs) must be the eyes of the local authorities to ensure cleanliness and proper maintenance of amenities, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said while the government could provide the financial assistance, what is needed is close monitoring of these amenities by the respective committee and community.
“Both the authorities and respective communities will be able to help in this regard,” he said at the Lembah Subang 1 Forum PPR yesterday.
Anwar said the government has allocated RM185mil for the repair of facilities at 358 PPR flats nationwide this year, adding that the government wants to ensure the welfare of PPR residents, especially the urban poor, is safeguarded.
“If you live in a house that is in poor condition where the lift doesn’t work, the toilet doesn’t flush, the neighbours don’t know you, how could you say that home is heaven?
Welcome to the humble home: Anwar visiting PPR Lembah Subang 1, where residents have taken the lead in revitalising shared spaces through Think City’s Kita-Untuk-Kita (K2K) Programme. Accompanying him is Nga (blue shirt). — Low Boon Tat/The Star
“That is why the government is taking the responsibility (to repair), but this effort must be welcomed by the community,” he said.Anwar said the PPR communities, which are composed of various races with differing religious beliefs, must be a showcase of unity rather than discord.
“There must be togetherness among the various races. Here, we have Malays, Indians and Chinese who live with the understanding of the different religious practices.
“There may be different religious beliefs but we must respect each other,” he said.
On the issue of rent, Anwar said local authorities will impose a reasonable sum on PPR residents, including negotiating repayment of rental arrears.
“If the rent is too high, maybe we can lower it. As the government has spent money providing the housing, residents must know that rent must be paid.
“Maybe we can discuss and negotiate a little (to lower the rent) but I want to stress that the rent must be paid. If we want to live comfortably, each of us must do our part,” he said.
Also present were Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming and Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
