The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry today handed over RM5 million to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to assist in maintaining the National Economic Action Council's People's Housing Project and DBKL Public Housing.

Its minister, Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, said the fund would benefit 11,879 people in the low-income group to buy apartment units.

"An RM3.2 million allocation under the National Key Result Area (NKRA) will be given to the 11,879 buyers while the balance is meant for other eligible buyers in the future.

"The assistance involves monthly maintenance fees of RM45 for six months for each unit," she told reporters after a cheque presentation ceremony for RM5 million to the Federal Territories and Urban Well-Being Ministry, on behalf of DBKL today.

The programme is a government initiative under the NKRA to improve the living standards of low-income earners towards transforming Malaysia into a developed nation.

Aid to lessen burden of home buyers

Meanwhile, Federal Territories and Urban Well-Being Minister Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said DBKL offered 35,095 housing units and that 23,787 people were interested in their purchase.

Nevertheless, he said, only 11,879 were eligible.

"Upon signing the sales and purchase agreement, the aid for maintenance fees will commence because we want the public to focus more on buying homes than cars.

"This is because, based on evaluations from the Finance Ministry's valuation and property services department, the value of the housing units are twice that of the price we are offering... the units are valued at RM80,000 but we are only selling for RM27,000," he said.

Asked why the aid was given only for six months, Raja Nong Chik said it would lessen the burden of buyers during the period after spending for the purchase of the units.  

- Bernama