As we know, the People’s Housing Project, better known as PPR (Program Perumahan Rakyat), is an initiative taken by our government to provide low-cost housing schemes for Malaysians with a household income of under RM3,000 per month. However, over the years, some concerns have been raised about the infrastructure of this programme.
In order to upgrade the quality of life for Malaysians living in PPR, Belanjawan 2023 has highlighted a few measures that will improve the liveability of PPR houses.
The PPR initiative has been benefitting low-income rakyat for decades but it’s also undeniable that these Malaysians deserve better homes and living conditions. With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the government’s efforts in improving public housing in Malaysia:
1. New PPR projects to benefit over 12,000 Malaysians
Affordable housing has become an increasing problem in Malaysia, with many Malaysians worried about not being able to afford a roof over their heads. In efforts to resolve this issue, Belanjawan 2023 has allocated a budget of RM367 million to develop several new PPR projects in Malaysia which are expected to house around 12,400 residents.
The government also introduced the Rumah Mesra Rakyat initiative under Syarikat Perumahan Negara (SPNB) for Malaysians with a household income of less than RM5,000. A budget of RM358 million was allocated to build 4,250 housing units.
2. Allocation for the maintenance of public housing
To increase the habitability of public housing and convenience of residents, Belanjawan 2023 underlined several allocations for maintenance works, which include:
- RM200 million for the WPKL Low-Cost Public Housing Maintenance
- RM44.4 million for the Malaysian Housing Maintenance Fund (TPPM)
- RM46 million for the State Low-Cost Public Housing Maintenance (PPP)
- RM25 million for upgrading and maintenance work of Kampung Baru Cina
This is part of the government’s efforts to provide quality basic amenities so that Malaysians can have equal access to comfortable living.
3. Upgrading lift maintenance works in PPRs
Through Belanjawan 2023, the Ministry of Local Government Development is provided with an allocation of RM50 million to ensure a safe environment in PPRs with the priority of replacing dilapidated elevators.
Belanjawan 2023 also raised the quotation limit for elevator maintenance and repair work to RM1.2 million instead of RM500,000. This increase in limit is expected to expedite the procurement process to ensure a safer environment for PPR residents.
4. Providing free internet access to 56 selected PPRs
There’s no denying that having access to the internet at home is highly important these days, especially for families with kids who often require the internet to study or complete their homework. In order to help Malaysians from all walks of life to become more digitally savvy, the Government will provide free internet access to 56 selected PPRs around Kuala Lumpur.
5. Beautifying PPR locations to empower the community
With the help of ThinkCity and DBKL, the government has launched efforts to elevate the lifestyle of PPR residents in Kuala Lumpur by improving the landscape surrounding these low-cost houses. This effort will involve beautifying projects in areas surrounding PPR houses.
ThinkCity is also overseeing the Program Kita Untuk Kita (K2K) which is meant to empower the community of PPR residents. This programme focuses on addressing the common issues faced in PPR buildings such as any physical decay and improving the standard of living of residents.
With all of the initiatives announced above, it can be a relief to see that Belanjawan 2023 is committed to upgrading the standard of living for the current or future residents of public housing. We certainly hope that these will help to improve the infrastructure of PPR homes so residents can enjoy a safer environment at home.
Apart from the initiatives taken for the public housing schemes in Malaysia, there are also other efforts highlighted in Belanjawan 2023 regarding the housing sector. If you’d like to know more, you can visit the Belanjawan 2023 website here to explore more on this topic or other forms of aid that you can benefit from.
