Increase enforcement, combat abuse of PPR ownership

One of the dilemmas encountered by low income groups arises when financially-abled individuals exploit the People’s Housing Programme (PPR) by purchasing a unit or more to make a profit.

The government's efforts to resettle squatters and meet the housing needs of low-income groups will certainly be delayed if the implementation of PPR is not properly regulated.

As the main implementing agency for PPR projects across the country, authorities such as the National Housing Department must ensure that only truly qualified applicants are offered the units. Doing so will realise the government's genuine aspiration to provide housing for needy groups.

Once the keys to the units are handed over, the Local Authority (PBT) must undertake a role by regularly carrying out targeted enforcement based on the identified zones or areas.

The PBT should also conduct consistent and constructive engagement sessions with residents' associations in their respective PPR housing areas. This way, PPR residents are empowered in having two-way communication with the authorities. Every public complaint should be addressed seriously and resolved promptly.

This is to prevent the recurrence of offenses such as illegal occupants, residents not residing at the units which they own as well as sub-letting the unit to a third party.

An even worse scenario arises when PPR units are rented to foreigners or when the number of occupants exceed the capacity of the unit. Most of them often cause hygiene problems, noise pollution and even threaten the safety of other residents.

If possible, hold a press conference each time after an operation or an arrest is made. This is to raise public awareness so as not to snatch away the right and needs of lower income groups towards home ownership.

Without hesitation, the PBT or the state government must be stern in issuing the Termination Notice to owners who violate the terms and condition of PPR ownership. This should be followed up swiftly with blacklisting and legal action.

Although a prison sentence of up to three years or a fine by the courts in accordance with the Statutory Declaration Act 1960 for PPR abusers found guilty, feels sufficient for now, enforcement by local authorities still has room for improvement and enhancement.

-MCA Online-