The MIC is looking into ways of helping residents of the people's housing project (PPR) who are unable to pay their monthly rent and utility bills, vice-president M Saravanan said today.   

He said most of them had a monthly income of less than RM1,000 and rent and utility bills were not part of their expenses before they moved into the PPR houses from squatter areas.

NONE Saravanan, who is the deputy federal territories and urban well-being minister, spoke to reporters after handing over offer letters for rental of PPR units to 15 families at the MIC headquarters.

“The MIC is looking at how to help these residents to overcome the problem of paying the rent," he told reporters.

He said some of the recipients had applied for a PPR house 20 years ago and that all of them were selected based on the urgency of their cases.

"Now, they must reply the letter and pick up the keys at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall office within 14 days. They will have to make the first payment of RM390, and the monthly rent will be RM124," he said.

Karpagaam Subramaniam, 45, said she was happy that after 20 years of waiting, her family would be able to live in a decent house that she could afford.  

Taxi driver Mahendran Muthaloo, 43, a single parent, said he was happy as he would be able to provide a comfortable and affordable home for his family.

"I am moving in with my two children, aged six and eight. My 80-year-old mother is also living with us. I am thankful that someone has finally stepped up to help a single parent like myself," he said.   

- Bernama