KUALA LUMPUR: The Housing and Local Government Ministry has expressed its commitment to providing more affordable homes for all Malaysians, particularly those in the low-income group.

Its minister Nga Kor Ming said this is in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's call to increase the availability of comfortable, affordable housing in urban areas.

He said the ministry is dedicated to achieving its goal of 'Shelter for All,' highlighting efforts to boost the supply of affordable housing.

"Our commitment includes ensuring that these homes are not only affordable but also of high quality, comfortable, and located in strategic areas," he said in a statement.

Nga said the ministry has allocated nearly RM1 billion annually for various social housing initiatives, and as for 2024, the ministry set aside RM546 million for the People's Housing Program (PPR) and RM358 million for Rumah Mesra Rakyat.

He said these initiatives are part of the government's broader commitment to building 500,000 affordable housing units under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).

He announced plans to rebrand PPR as the People's Residency Programme (PRR) and elevate its standards to be on par with social housing in developed nations like Singapore and Japan.

Yesterday, Anwar said the government will not entertain opposition to affordable housing projects, even from "elites," asserting that his administration will prioritise the needs of the city's masses, primarily those from the bottom and middle-income groups.

Anwar had also directed for affordable housing projects in urban areas to be expedited to meet the high demand, and to ensure they are comfortable and well-equipped with necessary facilities.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/1098901/ministry-reaffirms-commitment-boosting-affordable-housing-supply