Bigger homes for lower-income group

Developers in Seremban are to be urged to build bigger houses for the lower income group rather than flats which are cramped and “always associated” with social problems. Viewing poorly-maintained flats as “modern-day slums”, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the people, especially those with many children, should be allowed to live in a more conducive environment.

He said the state government was prepared to lower the 30% quota for low-cost homes in a project if developers were willing to build low-cost houses rather than flats.

“Also, since the demand for low-cost flats here is extremely poor, developers should look at ways to provide dwellings that are attractive,” he said, adding that it was pointless to relocate squatters to only house them in such units later.

Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said it is not a viable solution to build low-cost flats property near such units might not be able to attract buyers. “It would be better if the developer can build 30 to 40 affordable houses rather than build 100 units of flats which remain empty,” he felt.

He added that the state government would direct developers to increase the minimum width of low-cost houses from the present 16ft (4.8 metres) to 18ft (5.4 metres). [Rufaidah]