KOTA BHARU - The commitment undertaken by Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) to develop 5,000 units of affordable housing within the next five years if the alliance secures a win in Kelantan in the upcoming state elections is a golden opportunity for the B40 group there to own homes.
Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association (Rehda) Kelantan chapter deputy chairman Datuk Samsuri Awang Mat said increasing property prices have caused many to miss out on owning homes.
"Personally, from a developer’s point of view, it is really challenging to build and offer affordable homes. But, if BN and PH can do this if it is given a chance to govern Kelantan, then this effort must be supported.
"According to current market prices, a terrace house within a 20-kilometre radius of the town centre costs about RM220,000. If the affordable units are offered below that, I hope that plan can be successfully implemented,” he told Bernama here today.
BN and PH’s manifesto for Kelantan, launched yesterday, outlined four main thrusts with 34 offers that the people in Kelantan will enjoy if the alliance is given the mandate to govern the state after the polls on Aug 12.
Among the pledges include 5,000 units of affordable housing units that will be built within five years, in addition to a 50 per cent rebate discount for housing plan process fee for the first house especially for the B40 group, youths and those who have just started a family.
For Norlaila Rahim, 41, from Kampung Tebing, Sabak, such an offer was a ‘lifeline’ for those who just can’t afford to own homes.
And for this reason alone, Norlaila and her family have been forced to rent at RM650 a month.
"I’ve yearned to own a house for a very long time, but how can I do that? With my current income, the market prices are out of reach for me.
"If BN and PH can offer affordable homes here, then it is music to our ears and something that should be backed,” she said. - BERNAMA