TASEK GELUGOR: Five-storey walk-up flats will be a thing of the past soon, Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar announced today.
He said such structures are no longer suitable nowadays and the ministry will be conducting a study on the matter to ensure that future housing development will be in line with current changes.
"We see a need for this as the flats we have now are no longer suitable. It is not equipped with elevators...and as we can see today, elderly people had to struggle to go up and down the stairs.
"So, if flats are built more than five-storeys, it will be equipped with elevator facility. This is more preferable and will ease the burden of the people living there.
"However, the proposal for reconstruction should be agreed upon by the respective states government since land and housing matters are fully governed by their administrations," he told newsmen here today.
Meanwhile, Noh claimed that opposition-ruled Penang and Selangor's housing policies were hindering the Federal government's effort in building more affordable houses in both states.
He said projects by federal government agencies had to be put on hold awaiting permission from the respective state governments.
"They have to understand that we are doing this for the people...selling the houses at affordable prices. So why are they imposing obstacles.
"Both the states government should relax their requirements. If not, the one who will lose out will be the people as they will have to struggle to own a home." he added.