RM1.9 million in rental arrears at a single PPR site, says DBKL
KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is grappling with longstanding rent arrears in its public housing (PA) units, with some tenants failing to make payments for up to 26 years and individual debts reaching RM39,140.
City mayor Maimunah Sharif said total arrears now stand at RM70 million, despite the monthly rental being fixed at just RM124, excluding maintenance charges.
According to Free Malaysia Today, the worst cases were recorded at PPR Kampung Muhibbah with RM1.9 million in arrears, followed by Desa Rejang at RM1.28 million.
"Some tenants have not made payments for more than two decades. It has become necessary to review our approach to ensure the system remains sustainable," said Maimunah.
An internal meeting is scheduled next week to reassess enforcement methods and formulate more structured procedures for dealing with defaulters.
"At the moment, we speak directly to tenants, ask for explanations and, in some cases, lock up their water meters," she said.
Although DBKL has the legal authority to evict tenants who fail to pay, she said they must tread carefully as most affected households fall under the B40 income bracket.
"We will analyse the matter further and bring it to the attention of the federal territories minister, Dr Zaliha Mustafa," she said.
Maimunah said that while many tenants cite financial hardship, complaints about parking shortages were also commonly raised.
"There may be a perception that strict enforcement won't happen, which could be contributing to the problem," she said.
To address the situation, DBKL will begin issuing formal notices to tenants with arrears and establish clearer guidelines on rent collection and enforcement.
She added that water supply cuts have previously led to repayments, and tenants had been allowed to settle arrears in instalments.
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