The construction of 28,081 units of houses since Barisan Nasional (BN) regained Kedah from the opposition in 2013, is proof that the BN government fulfils its promises.

Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir said the state government targeted to build 40,000 houses, including affordable and low-cost units, during the 2013-2018 period and the 28,081 units built so far was a good achievement.

"We are confident that in the next two years, we will be able to meet the target," he said after launching the Taman Tuanku Intan Safinaz housing scheme in Jitra today.

The 28,081 units comprised 4,801 units in 2013, 12,646 units in 2014, and 10,634 units in 2015.

Mukhriz said the confidence was buoyed by support from the private sector, Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB), 1Malaysia People's Housing Programme (PR1MA), and other parties.

However, he said, the state government was still not satisfied with the commitment of private housing developers to build affordable and medium-cost houses.

"There is a need to discuss and negotiate with these developers. We need to know the problems they face.

"And we will look into their problems without affecting the important aspects such as the number of houses, quality, price range, and the Bumiputera and non-Bumuiputera portions. All these we take into consideration.

"Kedah BN is very business-friendly. If the developers feel that the existing policies are not encouraging, in carrying out housing projects, we can discuss the matter," he said.

- Bernama