PONTIAN: All 500 units of Rumah Kasih Johor (RKJ), which is a free housing programme for the poor, will be completed by next year, says Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor.
The state housing and local government committee chairman added that as of now, a total of 174 RKJ units have been handed over to recipients since last year.
“Some 400 names have already been included in the technical committee list. The remaining units will be completed in stages until 2026, based on eligibility and criteria set by the state,” he added.
Mohd Jafni, who is also the Bukit Permai assemblyman, said this when met after handing over one of the completed units at Ayer Baloi here on Monday (Aug 18).
He also said that most of the applications for RKJ housing program were from the hardcore poor group living in rural areas across 10 districts in Johor.
Mohd Jafni added that the state government was ready to increase the number of RKJ homes to 700 units if demand continues to rise.
Explaining the eligibility requirements, Jafni said that priority was given to households living below the poverty line.
“The first criteria is that applicants must earn RM850 a month or less to qualify. Secondly, they should not own any property, meaning neither the husband nor wife owns a first or second home.
“Thirdly, they must have land of their own or land provided by relatives, such as siblings, who allow them to build the house there,” he said.
Mohd Jafni said the programme was part of Johor’s commitment to improve the well-being of its people, especially those in rural and low-income groups.
