3 months for PPR owners to boot out foreigners
PUTRAJAYA: The Housing and Local Government Ministry has given owners of People’s Housing Project (PPR) units three months to stop renting their units to foreigners.
Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said owners who failed to adhere to the directive would be subjected to action, including losing ownership of their homes.
“The move is to ensure that foreigners no longer occupied the PPR units and it begins with houses under the supervision of the ministry and, subsequently, other sectors,” she said at her ministry here yesterday.
She added that Malaysians should be given priority for housing, besides tackling social issues caused by foreigners who occupied the units.
“We also want to regulate rentals in areas where foreigners will pay higher rates than locals.”
She said the ministry would also review the role of the Fire and Rescue Department — including the standard operating procedure of its vehicles and fire-fighting and rescue equipment.
“We will also focus on the welfare of the department’s personnel, especially their children’s education, former members and widows.
“We will review and discuss the issue of critical allowance for personnel to cope with the current economic situation,” she said.
On another matter, Zuraida said a committee would be formed to study to study the feasibility of redeveloping the abandoned Highland Towers site.
She said the ruins had become an eyesore and a concern for neighbours.
“The site has become a den for drug addicts and thieves.”
Zuraida, who is also Ampang member of parliament, said the ministry hoped to rebuild the Highland Towers site that was struck by tragedy 25 years ago.
On Dec 11, 1993, one of the three Highland Towers Condominium blocks collapsed at Taman Hillview, Ulu Klang, killing 48 people.