JOHOR BARU: The Local Government Development Ministry will focus on tackling sick and abandoned housing projects, said Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir today.
Akmal Nasrullah said he had studied housing issues when he became a member of parliament (MP) and before he was appointed deputy minister.
"The issue of sick projects or houses with problems should be the focus, even though Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming said he will take the initiative to revamp the National Housing Policy.
"This (policy) is more focused on the future, but the fact is that there are still many houses with problems."
He said this after a meeting with Taman Kim Teng residents here.
He was asked about the ministry's focus over the next five years.
The Johor Baru MP said he would have a meeting with the National Housing Department next week after the first Dewan Rakyat session to review and discuss issues related to the ministry.
"I need to understand the context from the perspective of policymakers and also the implementation level so that all problems are not only identified but also solved."
He said that while the ministry was focusing more on development at the federal level, it would continue its cooperation with state and local governments for the benefit of the people.
A sick project is one that has been delayed by more than 30 per cent compared with its scheduled progress or one whose Sales and Purchase Agreement has lapsed. — BERNAMA