Taman PPR Putera Kionsom finally partially ready after 22 years
This People's Residential Programme (PRR), formerly known as the PPR people's housing project, was launched under the Eighth Malaysian Plan (RMK-8) in 2003, with an expected five-year construction period at the time.
Finally, in May this year, the PRR received its Occupation Certificate (OC) for four out of the 10 blocks of low-cost flat units.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming ( pic ) said this PRR, once fully completed and occupied, can accommodate 1,000 families.
"Finally, after 22 years, the Madani government has ended the wait for so many needy Sabahans," he said after the officiating and key-handing-over ceremony here on Friday (July 11).
However, only four blocks are ready, and the remaining six blocks are expected to be completed by the end of August this year, he said.
Nga stated that this RM152.9mil project is equipped with 10 disabled-friendly units, two kindergartens, six shop units, four surau, and eight halls.
"We will continue to work with the state to bring more low-cost housing for the people, which includes rent-to-own schemes and other housing projects for the B40 communities," he said, adding that the state prepares land while the federal government provides funding.
He explained that the PRR scheme is different in rural and urban areas, whereby in rural areas, there is a 20-year rent-to-own scheme for those eligible, but in the city areas, the concept is rental.
To encourage payment of rents, Nga said that in the future, a hotel-like concept might be implemented where residents are required to use an access card to enter the PRR housing as well as PR1MA affordable housing, among others.
"With this access card, those who have paid up their rents can enter, while those with outstanding payments will be denied access," he said.
He mentioned that a pilot project involving 19,000 people has started in Johor, with the rental payment rate improving from 45% to 95%.
Nga said this shows that people can pay, just sometimes not willing to.
"Besides, the government has been giving handouts and assistance, including the Bantuan Tunai Rahmah, so there is no reason not to pay the rent, which goes as low as RM124 per month for some areas," he said.
He noted that there are a total of 39 PPR projects in Sabah to date, with 35 completed, two under construction, and two in the planning stage.
This RM3.02bil PPR project provides a total of 26,299 units of homes for those from lower-income families, said Nga.
The ministry is considering a new PRR project in several locations in Sabah, he added.
Earlier, he mentioned that RM195.35mil has been approved under the RMK-12 fifth Rolling Plan for Sabah, to fund a total of 48 infrastructure projects and repair works statewide.
These projects, set to be implemented this year, include RM6.39mil for upgrading projects and RM39.78mil for PRR and PPR projects in Kionsom, Pitas, Lahad Datu, Kota Belud, Beaufort, Kibabaig, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Kuala Penyu, and Tuaran, among others.
The others include RM24.48mil for the Rumah Mesra Rakyat development project, RM13.74mil for parks and landscaping projects, RM7.7mil for upgrading fire stations statewide, and RM32mil for landfills, among other things.
In addition to the Kionsom PPR housing, Nga also visited the Foh Sang multi-level parking, Luyang Multipurpose Hall, handed over keys at the Menggatal Residency (Phase 1A), Tanjung Aru Recreational Park, Kepayand Square, and presented allocations for the maintenance of 15 non-Muslim religious houses.
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