SHAH ALAM, Apr 17 — Affordable housing projects in rural areas are facing challenges due to slow uptake despite being priced reasonably, said executive officer for housing Datuk Borhan Aman Shah.
He said most buyers face constraints, in addition to factors such as location and the type of housing units, even though prices offered are affordable, including in Kuala Selangor and Sepang.
“We offer affordable homes, but the number of buyers is low. One of the factors is buyer eligibility, as their incomes are inconsistent, making it difficult for banks to approve loans.
“The second factor is that most rural buyers prefer terrace houses or landed properties, or at least townhouse units,” he told Media Selangor.
As such, he said the state government is conducting a study to assist buyers through collaboration with banks to provide more flexible housing loan conditions.
He added that the state administration is also planning to build more terrace and townhouse units in strategic rural locations to encourage purchases.
“We are studying ways to assist buyers, such as relaxing bank loan conditions. In suburban areas, many are more interested in terrace houses compared to apartments,” he said.
Meanwhile, Borhan stressed that the state is continuously working to balance public housing projects and commercial developments to meet the needs of all segments of society.
He said the implementation is carried out together with local authorities, which assess all relevant factors before approving planning permission for developers.
“Although we are building medium-cost homes, we still take into account social, environmental and activity-related aspects in the area. That is why we urge local authorities to give due attention to, and evaluate, all factors,” he said.
