Housing plan for middle income folk

10/09/2001 The Star

LOW medium-cost units must be included in future housing projects, according to a proposal to be submitted to the Cabinet soon.

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said a study showed that low medium-cost houses were in great demand but short in supply.

Under the Seventh Malaysia Plan, he said the target for low-cost units were met fully but only 20% of the target for low medium-cost houses were met.

''There are places where low-cost units are not wanted as people are able to afford low medium-cost houses.

''As such, we should not just build low-cost units and neglect the housing needs of the middle income group.

''It is time to give due importance to their needs as well,'' he said after opening the 16th National Chinese Chess competition here yesterday which had 74 participants.

Ong said the proposal would soon be submitted to the Cabinet for approval.

''We hope the Cabinet will approve the proposal in view of the growing need for low medium-cost houses,'' he said.

The ministry’s study showed there was an increasing number of families, especially in big towns, with total income of RM2,000 to RM3,000 a month.

They preferred low medium-cost units and the Government should look into their needs, said Ong.

Low medium-cost houses are priced between RM36,000 and RM50,000.

Ong said that states could set quotas for the construction of low medium-cost units as housing projects came under their jurisdiction.