Middle-income folk seek housing in more locations

Middle-income earners in Johor are hoping for houses with a range of price options to suit their budget.

Private hospital staff Raden Mohammad Azwan Naharudin, 32, said several districts in the state had the potential to accommodate housing projects for middle-income earners.

“Although Johor Baru is an attractive location for housing developments due to its proximity to Singapore and various amenities, it is already quite packed.

“Other districts, including Kulai, Skudai and Pasir Gudang, have seen significant growth and have the necessary infrastructure to support housing projects.”

He suggested that by considering those districts, the government could provide diverse housing options across the state.

Kulai, he added, to be introduced as the fourth city in Johor, was easily accessible with the current expansion of roads and other amenities.

“Kulai is the gateway for air travel in the state via the Senai International Airport.

“The district still has a lot of land that can be developed,” he said.

Graphic designer Puteri Nuraliah Natasha Raja Zafri, 28, said the government could also look into the northern areas of Pasir Gudang, namely Tebrau and Ulu Tiram.

“If we want to focus on mobility, Pasir Gudang is the second-best option, as we can go to Singapore via the Senai-Desaru Expressway and Second Link.

“I hope the government can take proactive measures in offering better price options for housing by collaborating with private developers and providing them with incentives and subsidies.

Nuraliah said by doing so, the state would be able to address demand and provide affordable housing options to middle-income earners in the state.

More housing options, she said, would also allow for a more balanced distribution of housing opportunities while reducing the strain on a single district.

“This diversification ensures that middle-income earners have access to affordable housing options within their preferred districts.

“Additionally, it promotes economic growth in other areas of Johor; reducing the focus on Johor Baru, as the development of housing projects creates job opportunities and stimulates local businesses.

“By expanding housing projects to other districts, the government can foster inclusive and sustainable development throughout the state,” she said.

Both Raden and Nuraliah were responding to an agreement signed to develop houses for middle-income (M40) earners by the Johor government.

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, in a statement, had said that more than 3,700 affordable homes would be offered to the M40 group in Iskandar Puteri.

Those in the M40 bracket were typically sidelined when it came to house ownership.

“A total of 3,746 housing units will be offered, whereby 1,008 will go to targeted groups.

“Of the 1,008 units, 700 apartment units are priced below RM400,000 each and 308 terrace houses are priced below RM500,000,” he had said.

Onn Hafiz added that the state would implement this through the Eco Botanic 3 mixed development project to provide M40 earners a chance to own properties at strategic locations such as EduPark East and EduPark West in Iskandar Puteri.

The agreement signed was by the Johor Housing Development Corporation (PKPJ) in collaboration with Permodalan Darul Ta’zim Sdn Bhd (PDT), Iskandar Investment Bhd subsidiary River Retreat Sdn Bhd, and EcoWorld Development Group Bhd.

Present at the event were PDT chief executive Datuk Ramlee A. Rahman and PKPJ chief executive officer Datin Paduka Dr Suhailizan Suliman, state housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor and deputy state secretary (development) Datuk Ashari Kasnan.