ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Johor government is aware of and accepts the criticism that the housing built in the state was only meant for the elite.
Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the criticisms and complaints from the public were often expressed on social media, including on his Facebook page.
He mentioned that among the criticisms and complaints is the claim that Johor has no affordable homes, but instead, it has homes that were meant for the elite or well-to-do.
"The Johor government accepts all these views with an open heart," he said.
"The state government acknowledges the importance of housing as an agenda and strives to make the dream of every Johorean to own their own home a reality."
Through the Johor Budget 2025, various initiatives have been outlined to achieve the target of providing 30,000 units of Johor Affordable Homes (RMMJ) by 2026.
"Since 2022, a total of 13,461 units of homes have been successfully built," he added in a statement today.
Previously, the people of Johor often criticised the lack of affordable homes, as many of the houses being built were not affordable due to their high prices.
Onn Hafiz further elaborated that another 8,021 units are targeted to be built in various districts with cooperation from the state government and private developers next year.
"In addition, other initiatives for housing include an allocation of RM225 million for the development of 689 units of Rumah Residensi Bangsa Johor (RBJ).
"RM41.6 million has been allocated for the maintenance of housing facilities involving more than 14,000 units in the People's Housing Programme (PPR) and public flats, as well as RM10 million for the rejuvenation of public flats.
"Johor is also allocating RM36.15 million for the development of Rumah Kasih Johor (RKJ), with 328 new homes, along with RM14.15 million for the renovation programme that will benefit 795 poor and hardcore poor families.
"The state government is also providing initiatives such as the Rumah Transit Bangsa Johor (RTBJ) and the Rumah Prihatin Johor (RPJ) Programme, which offers homes priced as low as RM55,000 per unit through subsidies and infrastructure assistance," he said.
He concluded that these collective efforts demonstrate the strong commitment of the state and federal governments to ensure access to comfortable, quality, and affordable housing for the people, especially in Johor.