A TOTAL of 86,000 units of service apartments which have been approved for construction in Johor, especially in the Iskandar Malaysia, is excessive, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
He said, based on the Iskandar Regional Comprehensive Development Plan 2025, there would only be demand for 26,000 service apartments in the state until 2025.
“I have instructed the state Town and Country Planning Department to review the guidelines and development standards of service apartments.
“The majority of the apartments were supposed to be rented out. Instead, they are being offered for sale by the developers,” said Khaled, in a statement posted on his official Facebook page.
The menteri besar said the buyers of the apartments would be subjected to high property taxes because they were being developed in commercial zones, and would not be equipped with facilities like surau, mosque and school.
“The developers of service apartments are not required to provide the facilities and infrastructure for the comfort of their buyers,” said Khaled.
In another development, Khaled said the state government would continue to organise more sports and youth activities for them to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
He said the has state government realised that youths and the community needed more sports and recreation centres.
“Laman Skate Park in Pasir Gudang that was opened recently is one example of the government’s initiative to fulfil the aspiration and wishes of the younger generation.
“The local council will, hopefully, submit their plans for the building of comprehensive recreational facilities for the people of the state,” said Khaled.