KUALA LUMPUR: Future public housing projects will introduce a gated community concept featuring a two-tier access system, says Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
He said this initiative, inspired by the Johor state government, is aimed at addressing the issue of non-payment of maintenance fees among residents.
He said under the two-tier system, residents would need to use an access card to enter their housing compound and again to access the elevator to their residences.
"To tackle the problem of PPR residents not paying maintenance fees, we will implement the Johor model. If residents fail to pay, their access will be denied," he said during a press conference regarding the ministry's 2025 budget allocation.
Nga said that this new strategy would also involve profiling and counselling to enhance awareness among residents, as currently, 40 per cent of PPR residents nationwide did not pay their maintenance fees.
The Johor government's approach has reportedly boosted maintenance fee payments from 45 per cent to 85 per cent since its implementation.
He said in addition to addressing maintenance issues, the initiative is expected to improve security, restricting non-residents from entering the housing areas without an access card.
"To enjoy the facilities, residents must come with a sense of responsibility. Those eligible for the future People's Residential Programme (PRR) must attend a briefing to understand their obligations. Access cards will be issued after the briefing," he added.
Moreover, Nga said that allocations for the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programmes would rise from RM10 billion to RM13 billion next year, making it unacceptable for residents to neglect their maintenance fees.
However, he reassured those facing financial difficulties that they could seek assistance to settle their fees.
When tabling the 2025 Budget, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the STR and SARA initiatives would benefit nine million recipients, or 60 per cent of the adult population.
In 2025, a total of 4.1 million household STR recipients will receive SARA payments of RM100 per month, compared to just 700,000 this year.