2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
6 years on, Kampung Tiram affordable home buyers still left waiting
KUANTAN: An affordable housing project in Kampung Tiram, Indera Mahkota — once hailed for its innovative elevated design — has left buyers disillusioned six years after its launch.
The project, introduced in 2019 by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, featured three-bedroom, two-bathroom units priced at RM80,000. Its unique design elevated the homes to provide parking bays underneath, drawing interest from low- and middle-income buyers.
However, the development, comprising 635 units across three phases, remains incomplete.
Purchasers say they were initially promised delivery in 2022, only for the developer to later cite Covid-19-related delays.
Revised handover dates in 2023 and 2024 have also come and gone, with no significant progress on site.
Muhammad Shafiq Mohd Zaki, 36, said many buyers were now burdened with monthly loan repayments of RM250 to RM450, in addition to paying rent elsewhere.
"We've been waiting since 2019, yet Phase One isn't even finished. The lack of transparency and broken promises are unacceptable. Since the Menteri Besar officiated the launch, we urged him to intervene. Six years is far too long for an affordable housing project," he said during a site visit.
Another buyer, Mohamad Nabil Fikri Mohamad Najib, 39, claimed the project site was now overrun with weeds and lacked proper security.
"We applied in 2016 and were selected as buyers in 2019. I've heard the show units are being used by workers. We just want some real progress," he said.
The project falls under the purview of the Pahang government, while the Pahang Housing and Real Estate Board (LPHP) has acknowledged the delays.
In a statement, LPHP said it inspected the site on April 14 and instructed the developer to increase manpower.
"The report was submitted to the developer on April 22. Phase One involves 286 units, and physical progress stood at 44 per cent as of March. Subject to technical approvals, completion is expected by March next year," LPHP said.
The agency also apologised for the inconvenience, particularly the financial strain placed on affected buyers.
Semambu assemblyman Chan Chun Kuang said he had previously been informed the project would be completed last year and will now raise the issue again with the state government.
