PUTRAJAYA: The new model of public housing named the People's Residential Programme (PRR) proposed by the government is part of its effort to provide conducive housing for Malaysians.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the proposal to come up with the new model would also allow residents to break free from stigmas surrounding low-cost housing.
"The PRR is a follow-up to the previous People's Housing Projects (PPR) model facelift. The government has also provided subsidies towards B40 (households) for PPR.
"And based on a previous Unicef study, 12.4 per cent of the population in PPR areas are prone to committing suicide, and this is a tragic matter for me.
"This is why when we come up with the implementation (proposal) of PRR, I am confident that residents will not only be free from the stigma of being poor, but they will also feel more dignified, comfortable, and safe," he told reporters at the International Happiness Day celebration today.
Nga said this when asked about the increase of subsidisation by the government for PRR implementation.
He added that the implementation is still a proposal and at a discussion stage.
"It is still in the discussion stage for further refinement.
"This is why when I announced the PRR proposal, I used the term 'suggestion' to gather various reactions and opinions before the ministry makes a decision," he said.
Previously, Nga said the ministry was coming up with PRR, which would be well-integrated, sustainable and liveable, accommodating quality commercial viability, green spaces, community centre and other features.
The construction cost of each PRR unit, he said, would also be increased to RM300,000, offering the low-income group quality homes with a piecemeal price.
Under the new PRR, a unit costing RM300,000 will be sold at RM60,000.
Out of the RM60,000, about RM10,000 to RM15,000 will be set aside for maintenance and sinking funds.