Penang executive councillor for housing Jagdeep Singh Deo has slammed the federal government for inordinately delaying approvals for applications under the 1Malaysia Maintenance Fund (TP1M) scheme.

This scheme was launched in 2010 to help finance maintenance of low-cost and low-medium-cost housing units across the country.

NONE Jagdeep ( left ) described the federal government’s inaction to approve the applications sent by Penang as “unfortunate” as the state government was ready to contribute to the scheme.

“It is with deepest regret that we note the delay in implementing the scheme despite the Penang government’s readiness to supplement the contribution made by the federal government,” said the Dato Keramat assemblyperson.

“This scheme is designed to address low-cost and low-medium-cost housing units that are in critical condition where their residents certainly cannot afford to overcome their problems,” he added.

“Penang will certainly appreciate the federal government’s promptness in processing their applications,” he stressed.

 

Jagdeep noted that as of today, 114 applications to participate in the scheme have been made by Penang, but only one has been approved by the federal government.

The one approved was part of 101 applications from Aug 14 to Sept 18 last year, while the rest remain unanswered.

The application was made by the Taman Emas residential estate in Sungai Batu, Teluk Kumbar on the island.

Jagdeep said this after attending the National Council for Local Government Meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday, where the TP1M programme was discussed.

In this programme, the federal government has agreed to subsidise maintenance of low-cost and low-medium-cost housing units throughout the country.

90:10 and 70:30 ratios respectively

They have agreed to do it at 90:10 and 70:30 ratio respectively, whereby 90 percent and 70 percent of the project’s cost will be borne by the federal government whilst the balance is to be borne by the residents.

 

For the balance of 10 percent and 30 percent to be borne by the residents, the Penang government has created a fund of RM50 million called HAPPY! (Housing Assistance Programme of Penang, Yes!) to cover the sum the residents are to bear.

 

“With the unexpected massive increase of petrol prices yesterday, any delay in processing and approving such critical projects will only cost the government more,” Jagdeep said.

“This cost will affect all administrations, whether led by Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Rakyat, so we urge the federal government to implement the scheme immediately,” he said.