Mandatory SIA on middle to low-cost developments soon, said KPKT deputy minister

A compulsory social impact assessment (SIA) will be carried out in every affordable low-cost housing development to uplift the quality of life for consumers said Housing and Local Government (KPKT) deputy minister Datuk Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Ibni Raja Ahmad Baharuddin Shah.

He added that the initiative was part of the government’s efforts to improve not only the wage level of the rakyat but also their living standards.

“During the midterm review of the 11th Malaysia Plan, the Prime Minister mentioned that the numbers of the average household income are not the only changes that we want to see as it does not reflect the on-ground situation with the citizens.

“The issue that we are facing right now is that the widening gap of income distribution is affecting the quality of life for those on the lower end.

“Just because someone can only afford to live in the middle or low-cost housing does not mean that they should live in a sub-standard quality of life,” said Kamarul.

By making the SIA a requirement, he said the ministry hopes to provide the public with a better quality of living as well as an added value to homebuyers. He was present during the unveiling ceremony of Rumah Selangorku (RSKU) Pangsapuri Gapurna Bayu developed by Gamuda Land.

Kamarul applauded Gamuda Land for building the first RSKU using the Industrialised Building System (IBS), delivering the house 12 months earlier than promised while maintaining the quality.

“With such advancement in construction technology, the government is confident of achieving our aspiration of building 200,000 units of affordable houses per year,” Kamarul added.

The 11-acre freehold land that is Gapurna Bayu comes in built-up ranging from 700 sq ft, 750 sq ft, 900 sq ft and 1000 sq ft, with a total of 714 units.

The event was attended by 1,000 homeowners with their families who are anticipating to see their completed units before the vacant possession, which is scheduled for January next year.

Source: StarProperty