The government has allocated RM185 million this year to repair facilities at 358 People's Housing Programme (PPR) flats nationwide, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced.
He said this initiative is a priority under the MADANI Government to ensure the welfare of PPR residents, particularly the urban poor, is safeguarded.
"Two years ago, we spent RM100 million, so over the past two years, RM285 million has been spent, but I have no problem because this is not a waste—it is to repair lifts and improve facilities.
"If you live in a house that is in poor condition where the lift doesn't work, the toilet doesn't flush, and the neighbours don't know you, how could you say that home is heaven? That is why the MADANI Government is taking responsibility (to repair), but this effort must be welcomed by the community," he said.
Speaking at the Community Forum (Forkom) event supported by Think City at Lembah Subang 1 PPR, Anwar also announced an additional RM1.2 million allocation for lift repairs at the flats, where breakdowns have been a persistent issue.
He instructed the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) to expedite the repairs so that residents can enjoy a more comfortable living environment before Ramadan.
"After announcing it today, I don't want to hear that nothing has been done for the next two weeks, or that the lift broke down again after Ramadan or after (Hari) Raya. No! I won't accept that. So, by next week, I want a report on whether it is progressing or not," he stressed, adding that he wants Lembah Subang 1 PPR to serve as a model for all PPRs nationwide.
Additionally, Anwar urged the state government and local authorities to list PPR residents to ensure fair rental rates are applied.
"If the rent is too high, maybe we can lower it.
"As the government has spent money on providing the housing, the residents must know that the rent must be paid. Maybe we can discuss, we can negotiate a little (to lower the rent), but I want to stress that the rent must be paid. If we want to live comfortably, each of us must do our part," he said.
