THE government will set up a panel of experts to review the ceiling price for existing affordable housing, Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Ismail Abd Muttalib said.

He said this was in view of Covid-19’s impact on the people’s financial wellbeing.

“Currently, the ceiling price is set at RM300,000. It needs to be reviewed as many people are affected and have slipped from the M40 group to the B40 group as a result of the outbreak,” he said when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2022 at the committee level for the ministry in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He said the ministry would also look into the proposal to implement the rent-to-own scheme for people’s housing projects to help more of those with low income to own a house.

Meanwhile, Ismail said a total of 34 PR1MA projects have been completed to date involving 26,337 units, while 27 projects (20,760 units) were under construction and another 2,264 units in the planning stage.

“As for the Malaysian Civil Servants’ Housing project, a total of 164 projects have been completed involving 24,717 units, 65 projects (14,308 units) under construction and 44 projects (18,309 units) in the planning stage,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ismail said Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad was currently monitoring 12 “sick” projects nationwide.

Of the total, two projects have obtained the Certificate of Completion and Compliance in stages, namely one project in Gurun, Kedah and another one in Batu Gajah, Perak, he added.

Twenty-one lawmakers took part in the debate session. The Dewan Rakyat subsequently approved an estimated operating expenditure of RM1.77 billion for the ministry with a majority voice vote.

The Dewan Rakyat sitting continues tomorrow. – Bernama, December 6, 2021.