KLUANG: The federal government is reviewing the possibility of extending the state's Bangsa Johor transit housing scheme to other states to help low-income and young families acquire homes, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Introduced two years ago, the scheme allows tenants to reclaim 30 per cent of their rental payments after five years, which can be used as savings to purchase a home.
"This approach is ideal, especially for young families. It ensures they have savings for future homeownership at the end of their tenancy," Zahid said at the launch of the Kluang affordable housing project in Taman Kluang Perdana here today.
He said while the Housing and Local Government Ministry employed a "rent-to-own" scheme, no other state had adopted the state's approach of returning a portion of rental payments.
"This system suits those with limited financial means and is particularly applicable in cities and suburban areas," he said, urging other states to consider the model.
Present were Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
Zahid dismissed claims that Kluang was being sidelined in development, giving his assurance that the district was experiencing rapid growth.
He pointed to the completion of the new double-track railway and Keretapi Tanah Melayu station as key infrastructure projects that will enhance connectivity for Kluang residents