PUBLIC HOUSING REFORM AMONG KEY KPKT AGENDA UNDER 13MP

TAWAU, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- Public housing reform is one of the key agenda emphasised by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

Its Minister, Nga Kor Ming, said the People's Housing Project (PPR) will be replaced by the People's Residential Programme (PRR) to provide quality homes for those who the low-income group.

"Malaysia has been named among the developers that have successfully won the gold medal at the FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence World Award, namely for the best affordable housing project in the world. Malaysia has won the award two years in a row for the projects in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

"We definitely have in our plan the implementation of one of the world's best projects. For example, the PRR in Sabah can definitely win an award. We love Sabah, we will review it under the 13MP,” he said.

He told reporters this after surveying the Pelita Public Park project in conjunction with the KPKT Sentuhan Kasih Tour series here today.

According to him, Sabah is the state with the highest number of PPRs in Malaysia, with 39, adding that the Kiansom PPR, which began construction during the 8MP in 2000, was finally completed by the MADANI government this year.

Kor Ming said another issue the KPKT is emphasising under the 13MP is the need to increase the allowances of volunteer firefighting teams to RM10,000 per team.

"There are 367 volunteer firefighting teams in Malaysia. We have asked the Finance Ministry, when it tables the budget on Friday (Oct 10), and if everything goes according to plan, next year we will increase the allowance from RM1,500 previously to RM10,000 per team.

"This is to boost the spirit of volunteerism, service and duty to the people. So, Tawau, we surely welcome the public to set up volunteer firefighting teams to assist the Fire Department here,” he said.

-- BERNAMA