KOTA TINGGI, July 26 — The Rural and Regional Development Ministry has rebranded the hardcore poor housing programme (PPRT) to Program Perumahan Rakyat Sejahtera (PPRS), which is aimed at changing its community's perception and mindset.
Deputy Prime Minister cum Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the rebranding includes increasing the size of PPRS units to 680 square feet, based on national housing standards and policies, and introducing a rent-to-own concept.
"I hope other ministries involved in providing housing for the people will follow suit, especially the Housing and Local Government Ministry, state governments, state housing departments, and local authorities
"We must adopt this concept to not only follow national housing policies but also to comprehensively change the mindset and preferences of stakeholders, especially the buyers and residents of low-cost housing," he told the press after summarising the ministry’s retreat at a hotel nearby.
Zahid said that for this year, the ministry has allocated RM460.4 million to construct 3,000 new PPRS units and to refurbish 12,600 existing units.
"Over 10,000 units were built under the 12th Malaysia Plan. We plan to build more during the 13th Malaysia Plan because we can reduce costs, especially for land and infrastructure, by sharing these expenses with state governments, local authorities, and government-linked companies," he said.
— Bernama
