KUALA LUMPUR: The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) will issue a confirmation letter regarding the status of Residensi Hektar Gombak, proposing several measures to alleviate the burden of affected buyers in this ailing housing project.
Deputy Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu stated that the confirmation letter would recommend financial institutions consider providing interest rate reductions or exemptions and restructuring housing loans for the buyers.
"Options such as deferring housing loans or full settlement with an exemption of interest rates, supported by the withdrawal from the Employees Provident Fund second account, are also suggested," she added.
"Existing loans can be canceled, and opportunities for new loans, similar to first-time loans or exemptions of the four percent interest rate, can be explored, especially if they are associated with the Public Sector Home Financing Board (LPPSA)," she replied during a question-and-answer session in Dewan Rakyat today (March 13).
She was addressing a supplementary question from Zahir Hassan (PH-Wangsa Maju), who inquired about the government's efforts and initiatives to ease the burden on Residensi Hektar Gombak buyers forced to pay full loan installments while simultaneously covering their existing rental expenses.
Expanding on the matter, she confirmed that the project still falls under the sick category as the original housing developer has yet to receive financial assistance from any banking institution.
"Furthermore, the criteria and mechanisms for the Special Guarantee Fund (amounting to RM1 billion through the 2024 Budget) are still under discussion at the Finance Ministry (MoF).
"Ongoing efforts are being made by the Housing and Local Government Ministry, with monthly meetings held to address the issues and assist the buyers," she stated.
In January last year, KPKT maintained the sick status of the Residensi Hektar Gombak housing project and committed to continue supporting the developer in securing financial loans for its completion.
Residensi Hektar Gombak is a mixed-development project comprising five 46-story apartment blocks, with 2,400 housing units, located on Jalan Gombak, Setapak. — Bernama
TAG: KPKT, Aiman Athirah, Residensi Hektar Gombak, sick category, buyers, issue, confirmation letter, status