IPOH: Perak’s housing policy is being fine-tuned to reflect current trends and needs.
State housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng said the Perak Housing Policy 2.0 was in its final stages of updating before its launch scheduled for the second half of the year.
“The draft was developed last year following engagement sessions with stakeholders.
“This updated policy builds on the original housing policy introduced in 2019, incorporating new trends, emerging housing needs and additional housing schemes,” she told reporters after presenting Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) offer letters to 30 applicants at Mydin Meru Raya here yesterday.
Ng said the state is also looking at ways to ensure no lag in implementation.
“Preparing for an ageing population is another priority, with measures to cater to the housing needs of the elderly.”
Syarikat Perumahan Negara Bhd (SPNB) chairman Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Azmi Mohd Lila said about 849 units of RMR homes will be built at a cost of RM63.67mil in the state this year.
He said this was in line with the Federal Government’s target to build 5,450 RMR homes nationwide under Budget 2025.
“Since its introduction, the RMR programme has helped 69,848 families nationwide to own homes. In Perak, a total of 7,355 RMR units have been built.”
Mohd Azmi said there had been no problems with repayment by RMR home owners, adding that the monthly RM300 repayment over 16 years was manageable.
“Of course, financial capabilities may vary over time and the health condition of borrowers can also change. SPNB will assess the financial capability of borrowers, as repayment is crucial to sustaining the programme.
“While RM300 a month may seem like a small amount to some, for certain families, it can be a challenge,” he said, adding that the repayments allowed SPNB to continue helping other deserving families.
