Rehda applauds measures announced in 2016 Budget Recalibration for housing.

BY MAK KUM SHI
makks@thestar.com.my

REHDA (Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association) president Datuk Seri FD Iskandar recently lauded the Government for taking pro-active steps in ensuring that the country’s economy remains resilient amidst current challenging times.

The association had extended its thanks to the Government for its commitment to proceed with the implementation of various major infrastructure projects announced during the 2016 Budget in October 2015. Such projects include the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Light Railway Transit (LRT), Pan Borneo Highway, Malaysian Vision Valley, Cyber City Centre, Rapid Pengerang and High Speed Rail, as well as proposing ten new Urban Transformation Centres (UTCs). These projects are vital as they will not only enhance new areas of development but will also provide better accessibility to those areas.

REHDA president Datuk Seri FD Iskandar.

He commented that homeownership continues to be amongst the main priority, especially for the low income group and first time house buyers. The financing package offered at 4% for PPR house buyers is definitely good news to the people, in view of the current situation where housing loan financing has become a main problem among house purchasers.

“Such initiative is hoped to assist those planning to own a house, specifically those in the lower income bracket. Rehda also hopes that the Government would consider expanding the incentive to cover housing under the affordable housing category, so that larger groups will be able to benefit from this,” he commented.

“Meanwhile, Rehda pleads that more flexibility be given to affordable homes purchasers for their loan applications as loan rejection for this category of buyers are on the rise,” he added.

“Rehda also appreciates the Government’s efforts to ensure that there is sufficient provision of affordable housing. The limitation of sale for houses priced up to RM300,000 for all new housing projects to first time house buyers only may be a good move but Rehda has yet to find out the details and will study the facts carefully before giving any further comments,” he said.