KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Resources Ministry is working with government-linked companies (GLCs) to address long standing housing problems faced by estate workers nationwide.
It’s minister, M. Kulasegaran, said after multiple discussions with GLCs, the ministry scored success recently when Sime Darby Bhd agreed to build houses for estate settlers on a 4ha plot of land in Sungai Siput.
“In this one year (taking charge), I have had discussions on this with the GLCs and, fortunately, Sime Darby is the first GLC to make such an offer.
“We are also in discussion with them over two other pieces of land measuring 16ha and 4ha respectively for estate workers housing purpose, but this has not been confirmed,” Kulasegaran said.
He said the Sungai Siput land had been surrendered to the state government to be processed (as sub lot) as required by the Land Development Act 1956.
“We have also allocated RM30 million in the form of bank loans with only two per cent interest rate via Bank Simpanan National for those eligible.
“It’s a win-win situation for estate workers in this situation as we recognise the group’s contribution towards the nation, all these years. Its timely,” he said.
Kulasegaran said the housing offer was only for those who were eligible and meet the requirements, such as not owning any other property.
“We are also hoping that financial institutions and banks would be more flexible in considering loan applications for estate workers because only after 55 they would have some money to invest in anything,” he said.
Commenting on a protest by a group of workers from 64 estates outside Parliament House on Wednesday to show their dissatisfaction over their housing woes, Kulasegaran said
their request was for their employers to build and sell houses to them at a discounted rate.
“To be frank, as an estate boy myself, I can relate to this because I myself, when I was in the opposition, had written a few articles about it,” he said.
Kulaseagarn said housing for estate workers had been a long standing concern.
“They want the GLCs to provide them the houses at cost price or at an affordable price.
“This is not something new and it’s being looked into,” he said on the protesters’ demands.