THE Finance Ministry has made the right decision in using Syarikat Perumahan Negara Bhd to build 150,000 units of affordable houses.
This RM6bil stimulus package is directed at the needy and less affluent. Affordable housing is essential for medium-to-lower income groups.
Affordability will be less of an issue now that the ministry is pushing for low and medium cost housing projects. We will now have the opportunity to buy houses.
Malaysians stand to gain from these housing projects. Based on an average of five to six people per household, nearly one million of our population will be able to get decent homes.
The Government's clever shift to integrate economic stimulus with housing policy is a double-edged sword, with economic development and commitment to social stability in mind.
The scheme is the right step towards creating better homes in urban and rural areas.
With the aim to serve the middle and lower income groups, the housing policy will create more homes in places that are conducive to bring up young children – healthy living environment and appropriate surroundings for children.
A good home is a basic need that can groom our younger generation. I see more social benefits than economic advantages from the government housing policy.
The economic impact from this stimulus package is probably only short to medium term. However, the positive results on the social front are long term.
Malaysians will continue to benefit from this policy for many generations to come.
A.H.H., Shah Alam. (via e-mail)
