THE Johor government has started deducting rental payment for People’s Housing Project (PPR) units directly from tenants’ monthly financial aid since last month, said state Housing, Communications and Multimedia Committee chairman Dzulkefly Ahmad.

He said several other foundations supervised by the local authorities were awaiting the approval of the Board of Trustees to enable them to take similar measures. 

Dzulkefly said the deductions should ensure tenants make good use of the funds, including paying for their rent.

“It is hoped that this would also settle the problem of rental payment arrears, which, at times, are five to 18 years behind,” he said adding that the monthly payment was about RM200 a month.

“I understand that the foundations will give a lump sum payment to cover one-year rental and if the amount is paid directly to the recipients, the money could be misused,” he said after officiating the Johor Affordable Housing open voting ceremony at the Dato’ Abdul Rahman Andak Building in Iskandar Puteri today.

He added that if the housing monthly installments were deducted directly, the tenants were assured of a roof over their heads, even in difficult times. – Bernama, August 17, 2019.