THE Housing and Local Government Ministry today announced a one-month rent exemption for more than 9,000 units of the People’s Housing Project (PPR) under the ministry’s management.

Its minister, Zuraida Kamaruddin, said in a statement that this was to help ease the burden of those affected by the movement control order (MCO).

The PPRs involved include those in Sentul Murni, Bukit Jalil Transit House, Lembah Subang 1, Lembah Subang 2, Kg Hassan Hulu Selangor, Ladang Siliau Port Dickson, Tok Suboh, Amanjaya, Kota Setar, Sinar Intan 3, Gua Musang and Kota Baru.

Meanwhile, Zurada also recommended local authorities use their discretion to grant rent exemption to affected small business owners who have had to close shop following the MCO.

She urged local authorities to ensure that all supermarkets and sundry shops practise social distancing, provide sanitisers at commonly used entrances and exits as well as to constantly clean the handles of trolleys and baskets to reduce the risk of Covid-19 contraction. 

The ministry, through the local government, will also cooperate with the Welfare Department in monitoring and ensuring private senior care centres have sufficient supply of essentials for the duration of the MCO. – Bernama, March 21, 2020.