New measures to address stigma of low-cost homes

IT HAS been nearly five decades since the government introduced the People’s Housing Programme (PPR) to provide affordable homes for low-income earners but until today, the well-being of the community remains a major concern.

Low-cost housing schemes built under PPRs are often plagued by a plethora of problems, earning them the notorious label of “black spots” or haunts where anti-social activities thrive, making these places unliveable at times.

PPR residents are mainly those from the B40 category. B40 represents the bottom-tier households that have an income of below RM4,850 per month.

Studies have shown that many children and adolescents living in PPR flats also face mental health issues, believed to be linked to the deplorable living conditions.

The dilapidated surroundings where children play at PPR Enggang in Bandar Kinrara, Selangor. — Filepic

Against this backdrop, sceptics doubt that these emerging issues can be easily resolved, especially with the number of PPR residents in the Klang Valley alone now reaching over 150,000 people.

Despite facing numerous challenges, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming said he was committed to enhancing PPR’s liveability, stating that all new PPR development must be constructed in accordance with five key principles: accessibility, liveability, connectivity, decent community, and sustainability features to satisfy present and future requirements.

BK looks at some insights into the initiatives undertaken by the ministry to enhance the comfort and well-being of PPR residents.

Not all PPR schemes are plagued by cleanliness and social problems. Seen here is a PPR Intan Baiduri resident tending to his small vegetable garden behind the flats in Kepong.

In the 2023 Budget, the government allocated RM50mil through Local Government Development Ministry to provide a safe environment in PPR housing nationwide.

The ministry said the costs of repairs and maintenance of PPR buildings were high due to damage to electrical wiring, replacement of lifts, various repairs and other works.

Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, a total of RM500mil had been set aside for maintenance of strata housing units nationwide including PPR from 2021 to 2025 through the Housing Maintenance Programme (PPP).

However, the PPP allocation does not involve strata housing units in Klang Valley as they are under the jurisdiction of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

PPR Taman Mulia, Bandar Tun Razak in Kuala Lumpur is one of the focal points for drug addiction according to AADK.

According to Local Government Development Ministry, Selangor received an allocation of RM2.5mil under the PPP from 2021 to 2023.

As of June 30, 2023, a total of 31 PPRs comprising 40,046 units have been completed in the Klang Valley, with 26 PPRs under DBKL’s supervision, one under Selangor government and four under the ministry.

“Two projects with 904 units are under construction in Selangor. The projects are PPR Sungai Yu in Tanjong Karang with 500 units and PPR Ampar Tenang, Dengkil (404 units),” the ministry reported.

On the issue of cleanliness, the ministry – through the National Housing Department (NHD) – has appointed a management company to manage cleanliness of buildings and landscape, bulk waste pickup services as well as the premises’ security.

PPR Kampung Muhibbah and PPR Sri Aman (right) are some of the low-cost housing schemes in Kuala Lumpur.

However, these issues continue to take centre stage due to the lack of civic-consciousness among some residents.

To address the matter, the ministry has introduced new regulations where prospective owners will have to attend a civic engagement course before receiving the keys to their new PPR homes starting this year.

Its objective is to create awareness and understanding about community living and neighbourhood etiquette.

However, thanks to residents’ associations that are committed to keeping their environment clean, not all housing projects are plagued by cleanliness and social woes, noted the ministry.

In a random survey conducted by BK, the Pandan Utama Flats in Ampang Jaya is a shining example of communal effort as the residents there work together to keep their surrounding areas pleasant.

“Local Government Development Ministry intends to present letters of appreciation to PPR communities that ensure their housing areas are well-maintained, as a recognition of the efforts and cooperation from all residents.

“We are always supportive of efforts or initiatives undertaken by residents’ associations.

“According to the housing department, some PPR and other low-cost housing schemes are lacking in funds to undertake repairs or building maintenance,” said the ministry.

The ministry said the management of PPR schemes and other low-cost housing could apply for allocations under the (Public) Housing Maintenance Programme for funds to repaint buildings and other maintenance-related works.

In 2022, the built-up area for PPR units was increased to 750sq ft with the aim of improving liveability.

“Other similar housing schemes that are being implemented in other countries show that the built-up area of a house is about 320sq ft to 650sq ft, which is much smaller compared to 750sq ft,” the ministry said.

PPR flats today are now bigger, measuring at least 750sq ft from 500sq ft previously.

Apart from size, other improvements undertaken by the government involve design and structural layout to ensure comfort for the flats’ residents.

These include providing amenities such as surau and kindergartens for residents.

The ministry also said development plans involving the use of green technology including solar panels, Rainwater Collection and Utilisation System (SPAH) as well as energy and water-efficient equipment and hardware for PPR were under way.

It has also formulated the National Community Policy (DKomN) to address emerging housing issues at the local community level, especially in strata housing areas nationwide.

This policy is expected to create communities that are focused on aspects of health and security, imbued with a sense of ownership, spirit of good neighbourliness and respect for each other.

The DKomN was earlier drafted to develop community initiatives towards creating quality environment, strengthening community activities for better property management and amaintenance as well as promoting community participation in their local development planning.

This policy also focuses on safeguarding the welfare of the community, which is aligned with the National Housing Policy (2018-2025).

Through the DKomN, a total of 19 Community Consensus Offices (PSMK) have been established at selected PPRs nationwide.

The PSMK is a platform to facilitate and connect with the PPR communities, offering programmes for development of human capital, cleanliness of the environment as well as physical and mental healthcare.

“Last year, a total of 657 PSMK programmes involving 61,905 participants were held at PPR schemes nationwide.

“The implementation of various programmes for community engagement is seen as helping individuals who are in dire need, offering them a lifeline to relieve their fear, sadness and stress,” it added.

Local Government Development Ministry and PLANMalaysia are currently formulating the Child Friendly Cities Initiative Guidance to be implemented at the housing schemes, as outlined by the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef).

A recent study conducted by Unicef showed that more than 12.3% of children and youth aged between 10 and 17 living in PPR schemes in the Klang Valley were suffering from mental health issues and were prone to suicide.

Meanwhile, Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni shared a study conducted by the Institute for Health Behavioural Research and Health Ministry involving 1,578 children and youths at 37 PPR schemes in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

Children at PPR Enggang in Bandar Kinrara.

The study showed that most of these groups suffered from mental health issues due to economic pressures as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and cramped living conditions.

“Based on this, we will focus on six basic criteria for a child-friendly environment, namely access to nature, social relationship, opportunities for children to play at leisure and where children may develop a sense of belonging and participation in decision making, especially in high-density residential units including PPR areas.”

Through the Guidelines on Open Space Development Planning released in 2021, the ministry remains committed to planning quality open spaces subject to the open spaces covering 10% of the total housing development area, including strata housing.

Congested parking at PPR Seri Semarak, Kuala Lumpur.

“PPR is not only to provide housing for low-income earners but also a platform for households to take part in economic and community activities.

“This ministry has always stressed on the need for state governments to propose PPR housing development sites, taking into consideration factors such as access to public transportation, employment, health services, education, shops, recreational or social areas, and other income-generating facilities for households and transport costs that will not be a burden on their daily expenses.”

Meanwhile, experts say there is light at the end of the tunnel, noting that these challenges require a sustainable and integrated approach centred on government-private sector cooperation through corporate social responsibility (CSR) and enforcement initiatives.

Residents of PPR Intan Baiduri in Kepong grow vegetables and rear chickens as part of their community project.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Social Sciences and Humanities senior lecturer Dr Velan Kunjuraman said the time had come for the government to work closely with the private sector in providing a more liveable environment in PPR housing.

“The government has introduced numerous initiatives to improve the well-being of the poor through the PPR, including changing their mentality and raising civic awareness, but these are still insufficient.

“As such, to ensure a liveable PPR, cooperation between the people and the government is key. Collaboration with the private sector needs to be strengthened through the CSR such as provision of facilities, hence reducing costs incurred by the government,” he said.