‘PILLAR OF GOVT ADMINISTRATION’
Civil servants deserve to live comfortably as they contribute to national development, says PM
AZURA ABAS PUTRAJAYA news@nst.com.my
PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the 1Malaysia Civil Servants Housing (PPA1M) programme is not only aimed at providing accommodation but also creating wealth.
He said the government undertook the development of PPA1M housing for personal and family wellbeing, with the house ownership offered to public servants.
He said as the pillar of the government’s administrative machinery, public servants were an important target group, not only in upholding and implementing government policies, but also in contributing to national development.
“It is appropriate for public servants to get a comfortable home and enjoy an increase in their property or asset value,” he said at the handing of keys to Larai PPA1M units in Precinct 6 here yesterday.
Najib said the country’s housing agenda was one of his administration’s top priorities for the people, including civil servants.
“Civil servants have given so much to the country.
“In this respect, it is only right for them to be given the chance to live comfortably under PPA1M.”
PPA1M aims to increase the supply of affordable housing, priced at between RM150,000 and RM300,000, for civil servants.
Civil servants working for the federal and state governments, local authorities, and federal statutory bodies are eligible to buy PPA1M homes.
The prime minister said about 126,000 units under PPA1M were expected to be completed by 2020.
Najib said the government subsidised about RM25,000 to RM38,000 for every unit, depending on its size.
“For instance, for a 1,500sq ft unit, the government gives RM38,000 in subsidy, allowing buyers to buy it at only RM300,000.”
Present were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar and Putrajaya Corporation president Datuk Seri Hasim Ismail.
Meanwhile, retiree Ismail Jalil said he looked forward to moving into the apartment unit he bought.
He was grateful for the opportunity to own the 1,500sq ft unit that cost him RM276,000 under the PPA1M project. “I used to stay in government quarters when I worked with the Human Resource Ministry’s Safety and Health Department.
“It feels good to have a place to call my own now,” he said after receiving the mock key to his unit and land grant.
Ismail, 61, had served for 40 years in the civil sector.
Another proud owner was Hairul Musa, 34, who is attached to the Religious Affairs Department and partially blind.
He plans to move into his disabled-friendly unit with his family soon.
“I expect to get the keys in about one week. I now rent a place in Kajang.”
The Larai PPA1M project has 536 1,000 sq ft units, 16 1,000sq ft units for the disabled, 748 units (1,200sq ft) and 380 units (1,500sq ft).