PPR participants profiting by renting out subsidised homes

PETALING JAYA: Some participants of the People’s Housing Programme (PPR) are collecting profits of up to RM1,000 per month by renting out their government-subsidised homes, especially in the Klang Valley.

Checks by FMT on online property platforms found many rental listings for these homes, despite the fact that they are intended for buyers who receive government assistance.

The PPR initiative by the housing and local government ministry allows these homes to be purchased at around RM35,000 per unit. The government, in turn, pays for over RM240,000 in subsidies.

One search found a unit at Hiliran Ampang PPR being advertised for RM1,000 per month. The 650-square-foot home, featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms, appeared highly sought after due to its proximity to Kuala Lumpur and its various facilities.

It is understood that the maximum monthly financing payment for this home is RM300, for a period of 15 years.

The National Housing Rental Association told FMT that PPR or housing provided by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) can either be sold or rented to the B40 income group.

Homeowners or tenants in either category are not allowed to sublet their units, according to the contracts entered into with DBKL or the ministry, as the case may be.

The association’s chairman Prakash P Kalivanan urged the government to cross-check data to identify PPR tenants or homeowners who have been able to purchase other homes.

“If they can (already) afford to buy a house, DBKL or the ministry should immediately remove them. Checks need to be conducted every three to six months,” he said.

Prakash attributed such “side businesses” to a lack of specific legislation on PPR home rentals.

“The (proposed) Residential Tenancy Act, first mooted in 2018, has been delayed until today,” he said.

The legislation, intended to address issues related to rental agreements, tenant and landlord responsibilities, and dispute resolution mechanisms, is expected to be tabled in Parliament this year.

Last week, housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming said his ministry would take strict action against PPR homeowners who rent out their units, especially to foreigners, saying that any legal action of this kind would serve as a lesson or warning to others.

He said applicants were offered these units as they claimed they did not have a home, but that some quickly rented them out for profit.

According to the ministry’s national housing database, 102,823 units involving 164 PPR projects have been provided nationwide under the supervision of federal and state agencies.