Its about time the Housing and Local Government Ministry review some of its antiquated policies that were introduced some 30 years ago. The country is propelling itself to be a developed nation by 2020 and yet we persist in having to build low-cost houses.

This mandatory policy that requires housing developers to set aside 30% of their land for low- cost houses has not only left a lot of areas with unsold and uninhabitable low-cost houses but has also become an eyesore in a lot of housing estates.

The demand for low-cost houses may have been appropriate 30 years ago but with an improved standard of living nowadays, few people would opt to buy low-cost houses now. So if there is no longer a demand for such houses, why does the ministry still continue to make it mandatory for developers to build them?

This policy, if left unchecked, will later contribute to the building of slum areas and all their associated social problems.

Another policy that needs to be reviewed is the 5% to 10% percent discount offered to bumiputera house buyers. When this policy was first introduced, it was intended to increase bumi ownership of houses. This especially in respect of properties that are within the reach of the average bumis.

But now it seems that this policy has lost its direction and purpose, and the discounts have now included high-end property which are for the rich and famous. What rationale is there for developers to give discounts to those bumis who can afford to buy luxury high-end property?

The proper remedy is to put a cap on a certain price range that will mandate the developer to give discounts to bumis. Certainly not a blanket application of all property.

The Housing and Local Government Ministry must keep up with the times and continue to review old antiquated policies. If not our housing landscape will be inundated with unwanted and unsold houses left uninhabited for years to come.