Outrageous: Low Cost Flats for the Rich

Petaling Jaya, 21 May 2010

REHDA condemns the bold acts of governing officials as reported in the Sun today in purchasing low-cost housing meant for the low-income group. Such acts undermine the spirit of the low-cost housing system and make a mockery out of developers’ efforts in fulfilling our social obligations as imposed upon by the Government.

“The low-cost housing distribution system makes the State Government the determining body in allocating low-cost houses that developers construct for qualifying recipients via a Central Registry maintained by the State Government,” says Datuk Ng Seing Liong, President of REHDA.

“Such form of abuse is disappointing for the industry players who have worked hard over the years to cross-subsidise such affordable housing to achieve the nation’s social agenda. We have shouldered such a task as required by the Government despite rising costs throughout the years, only to have profiteering Government servants to make use of this system for their own ends.”

We appeal to the Government to make a comprehensive probe into such abuse of power, not only in the State of Selangor, but for the whole nation to expose such malpractices.

The staggering figures provided by The Sun shows that low-cost housing seems to be an entrepreneurial venture for certain parties in the State Government, rather than a significant tool to provide affordable shelter to the low-income group for the State socio-economic agenda.

REHDA appeals to the Government to make the supply of low-cost housing the sole responsibility of State Governments.

Issued by:

Datuk Ng Seing Liong, PJN, JP
拿督黃騰亮 太平局紳
President
Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia