Affordable homes coming up in districts outside JB

Johor Housing Development Corporation (PKPJ) is planning to focus on building affordable homes outside of Johor Baru starting next year.

PKPJ chief executive officer Datin Paduka Dr Suhailizan Suliman said the agency had identified three districts to start with, namely Muar, Segamat and Batu Pahat.

“These three districts have a limited number of Johor Affordable Housing (RMMJ) units.

“We also want to ensure that these houses will have tenants once they are fully developed.”

She was speaking after launching Johor Malaysia Property Expo 2023 (Johor Mapex 2023) at Johor Baru City Square mall.

Suhailizan said PKPJ had opened up registration for two people’s housing projects (PPR) in Cahaya Senibong (Permas), which offered 400 units, and Ulu Tiram which offered 700 units.

“We will never let any B40 families be left out when it comes to housing.

“All this is part of the Johor government’s target of building 30,000 affordable homes by 2026.”

She said PKPJ was also working closely with housing developers under the Plan, Design and Review Committee (PDRC) to ensure that the target was achieved.

“We cannot work alone; we need to work together with the developers so that we can coordinate efforts and find win-win solutions to any issues raised during PDRC meetings.

“PDRC conducts timeline performance monitoring that is agreed upon by both the agencies and developers.”

She said Johor Mapex 2023 would become an annual property expo.

“This is the first time that we have collaborated with Real Estate Housing Developers Association (Rehda) Johor in offering property to help spur economic development in the state,” Suhailizan added.

In his speech, Rehda Johor chairman Wong Boon Lang said he was optimistic that the housing sector would grow in tandem with Johor’s other economic sectors to help the state become a powerhouse not only in the country but also the region.

“Although the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic still linger, we have seen signs of recovery.

“This has provided the housing sector with new energy, optimism and hope that better days are on the way,” he said.

Wong said the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project would be a game changer.

“The RTS Link is designed to move 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction between Bukit Chagar in Johor Baru and Singapore’s Woodlands North.

“The land connectivity and accessibility between Malaysia and Singapore will improve once the RTS Link is up and running by 2026.

“It will also entice Malaysians who are working in Singapore to buy homes in Johor Baru.

“If they have homes in Johor Baru, then they can commute daily to Singapore instead of staying there and paying high rental.”

Wong also said that the second edition of Johor Mapex 2023, which ran from Nov 17 to 19, was a good avenue for those looking for their dream houses.

His speech was read out at the launch by Rehda Johor deputy chairman Lindy Tan.

The event showcased properties worth RM6.2bil, with 38 Johor Rehda members taking up 90 booths.