Residents comfortable, grateful for Kuala Nerang PPR houses

KUALA NERANG - Some residents here expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to live in the People's Housing Project (PPR) Taman Meranti Phase 1, after many years of living in rented houses.

Muhammad Nasrullah Tazol Azmi, 33, who previously rented a house for four years, said that the PPR house is not only more comfortable, but the monthly payment is also lower at only RM237 per month compared to his rental payment of RM300 per month.

"All the hard work applying for a rakyat (people's) house is worth it. Although it is a cheap house, the finish with mosaic (tile) floors, two fan units in the living room and in three bedrooms, wiring and lights work well in two bathrooms, and the structure is solid and neat.

"Thankfully, life is becoming stress-free, more comfortable and the RM237 monthly payment is not a burden," he said when met by Bernama here recently.

A total of 85 beneficiaries of this PPR Taman Meranti Phase 1, also known as PPR Kuala Nerang, started occupying their homes with their families in stages around last April.

PPR Taman Meranti Phase 1 is one of the 10 PPR projects in the state, comprising 286 units of single-storey terrace houses with four units of houses for the disabled (OKU) that come with the facilities of a multi-purpose hall, surau, stalls and kindergarten.

Muhammad Nasrullah, who runs a small-scale business selling clothes, said that with his uncertain income, he could not afford to buy any other house for himself and his family.

"When I found out that the application was approved, my wife and I were so relieved and happy. We kept coming and going back and forth to sleep here and finally moved in a week after last Hari Raya Aidilfitri," said Muhammad Nasrullah who also plans to hold a thanksgiving feast for the house.

Another resident, Nur Naimah Mohd Radzi, 36, is also grateful. After nine years of living in a rented house, she and her husband were overjoyed for being selected to live in the PPR.

Nur Naimah, who trades at the night market, said that although it took a while since the application in 2016, she still felt lucky to have been selected as many people had also applied for the houses.

"We consider ourselves lucky because it wasn't easy to get it. I think it's fated and I cried tears of joy. After drawing the ballot and receiving the key, we moved in and celebrated in the new house. Many friends and relatives who came to see our new house praised the construction as beautiful and complete," said the mother of two.

She added that the location of the PPR house which is close to the town of Kuala Nerang and other facilities including schools and supermarkets also makes daily affairs convenient.

Another resident, Nor Syafiqah Ahmad Sabri, 27, also did not expect that her application in 2016 would allow her and her husband to live in the comfortable house since their application was initially rejected.

"At first, we were not eligible because of our age but because we were married, our application was finally approved. It still feels like a dream to own a home at a young age. We can raise our children comfortably and happily.

"I hope the government will build more PPR houses for the many people who need them. To those whose applications have not yet been approved, be patient and keep praying," she said. - BERNAMA