Sunday, September 03, 2006

Housing Ministry should Review Antiquated Policies

Its about time the Housing ministry review some
of its antiquated policies that were introduced some
30 years ago.The country is propelling itself to be a
developed nation in 2020 and yet we persist in having
to build low cost houses.This mandatory polcy that
requires housing developers to set aside 30% of their
land for low cost houses has not only left alot of
areas with unsold and unihabitat low cost houses but
has become an eyesore in alot of housing estate.
The demand for low cost houses may have been
appropriate 30 years ago but with improve standard of
living few people would opt to buy low cost houses
now.So if there is no longer a demand for such houses
why do the Housing Ministry still continue to make it
mandatory to build low cost houses when there is no
demand?This policy if left uncheck would later
contribute to slums where it would be a haven for drug
addicts.
Another policy that need to be reviewed is the 5%
to 10% per cent discount offered to bumiputra
buyers.when this policy was first introduced it was
intended to increase bumi ownership of houses.This is
especially in respect of properties that are within
the reach of the average Bumis.But now the policy has
lost its direction and purpose and have now included
high end property which were for the rich and
famous.What rationale is there for developers to give
discounts to those Bumis who can afford to buy luxury
high end property?The proper remedy is to put a cap on
a certain price range that will mandate the developer
to give discount to Bumis and certainly not a blanket
application of all property.The Housing Ministry must
keep up with the times and continue to review old
antiquated policies .If not our housing landscape
would be inundated with unwanted, unsold houses left
uninhabited for years to come.
tel:0199810828

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