(Fourth from left onwards) MCA publicity bureau chairman Senator Datuk Chai Kim Sen, Tengku Adnan, 737 Kheng Seng Holdings Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Yeoh Guan Seng, Seputeh Umno chief Datuk Mustapa Kamal, 737 Kheng Seng Holdings Sdn Bhd executive chairman K.K. Yew and Federal Territories Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Adnan Md Ikhsan with the new houseowners. — Photos: P. NATHAN/The Star
THE latest affordable housing project in Kuala Lumpur has received 892 applications since registration opened two months ago.
The Federal Territories Affordable Housing (Rumawip) Residensi Gembira 737 project in Kuchai Lama has 638 units in total.
The units are being sold for RM300,000, about 30% lower than similar residences in nearby areas.
Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor launched the balloting session for the 850sq ft, three bedroom, two bathroom units on Dec 15.
“Since Rumawip was implemented in 2013, we have built 50,455 units or 63% of the overall target,” said Tengku Adnan.
He added in addition to its strategic location, the property’s freehold status was also a major draw.
“This project is unique as the developer is able to offer the entire block of units as Rumawip residences without any cross-subsidy or mixed development elements.
“It shows developers can offer housing at prices that are within the reach of the middle class,” he said, urging more developers to join in the Rumawip initiative.
Aswindran Ghanaseharan, 27, was excited to be one of those picked in the balloting.
He said he was drawn to the affordability of the units and its location near his office.
“I thought it was about time I became a homeowner.
"I will also be getting married next year, so the timing is perfect,” he said.
Muhammad Aliashan Sulaiman, 28, was also elated to find out that he would become a homeowner.
“I have been looking for a place to buy for more than a year when I came across Rumawip. I am glad that I was chosen,” he said.
A moratorium of 10 years has been set on reselling of Rumawip units to discourage speculation and to ensure that only those who really need affordable housing applied for it.
[slider id='81590' name='StarProperty' size='full']
