Application forms for People's Housing Project still relevant – Jaujan

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KOTA KINABALU: The conventional method of using forms for the application of People’s Housing Project (PPR) is still relevant, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Jaujan Sambakong.

Despite the well-thought-out suggestion of replacing the old method with an online system, Jaujan reckoned that filling out the forms in writing would better prevent any malice in a PPR application process.

“The suggestion to use an online system can be considered. However, many of the applicants do not know how to use it. That method (online system) may also prevent us from identifying the applicant.

“Fill out the form in writing because that would make it easier for us to search for their data,” he told reporters when met at a gathering with the media, Thursday evening.

He explained that with the online system, there might be a possibility for irresponsible individuals to tamper with the system. For instance, those who already have a home may try to apply for PPR homes, despite not being eligible.

If this were to occur, it may prevent the government from reaching its target for PPR homes distribution.

“Both methods may be used but for now we will use the application form method to prevent any tampering,” Jaujan, who is also State Local Government and Housing Minister said.

He pointed out that the number of affordable houses in Sabah is still insufficient.

“It is not easy to determine who is eligible for these PPR homes as many of them have come and claimed that they do not own houses. This time around, we will select applicants based on categories,” he said.

Currently, there are less than 1,000 units of PPR homes in Putatan but a total of 60,000 application forms have been distributed.