Thumbs up for affordable single-storey homes
YONG PENG: Johor will build over 100 affordable single-storey homes here, which were greeted with relief by many looking to own their first homes.
Located on a 13.4ha plot of land off Jalan Yong Peng-Paloh next to SJK(C) Yong Peng 2, the project is part of the statewide Johor Affordable Housing (RMMJ) scheme.
The 153 houses cost RM250,000 each to build, but the state government will price it much lower at RM140,000 a unit.
Each unit will have three rooms and two bathrooms.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin launched the project at a ground-breaking ceremony yesterday.
Mandore Nanthakumar Rajagopal said he had earlier failed to apply for a house under the 1Malaysia Housing Project.
“I’ll definitely apply for this one. It’s located in town and the construction is taking place in front of my eyes, so I can trust this project,” said the 31-year-old, who lives with his family in Kangkar Baru nearby.
Housewife Azimah Ramli, 37, who cycled from Yong Peng’s Taman Selatan to attend the ceremony, said many here were looking for a place to call their own.
“I’m just here to listen and tell my friends who might be interested.
“Houses are difficult to buy now, especially if you are earning basic wage as things are getting expensive.
“Affordable homes are very welcome,” Azimah added.
Siew Sim Lan, 50, said families would benefit with a school located beside it.
“It is a good location,” she added. Also present at the ground-breaking ceremony was incumbent Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and incumbent Semarang assemblyman Datuk Samsol Bari
Jamali, who are both defending their seats, and Yong Peng state candidate Ling Tian Soon of MCA.
Nathakumar thanked the incumbents for their efforts in getting the project approved here.
“They have always had good ideas and suggestions.
“Future plans to improve the roads from here to Chaah and other infrastructure upgrades are also timely,” he added.
Mohamed Khaled said the state government would try to acquire another piece of land in Ayer Hitam to build more affordable homes.
Dr Wee, who is MCA deputy president, said the Johor government had fulfilled its promises in areas such as housing and other services.
“For this project, the state allocated one-third of the land reserve here,” he added.
Houses are difficult to buy now, especially if you are earning basic wage. Affordable homes are very welcome. Azimah Ramli