AFTER a hundred days of heading the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT), Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican shared the latest directions the ministry is moving towards.

       Sharing that the achievements and timeline of the 100 days is part of the ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ or Malaysian Family journey, he noted that the country’s citizens are only interested in progress as the country enters its Covid-19 endemic stage.

       “As the KPKT Minister, I want the whole ministry to focus on two directions as we go through this post-pandemic phase: Treating the people’s anxiety and restoring the people’s confidence,” he said.

       Rumah Ikram

       Reezal pointed out the first Malaysian Family product from the ministry is Rumah Ikram, which was mobilised to help those affected by Covid-19, such as loss of employment and income, as well as those whose salaries were significantly reduced, affecting their ability to pay rent.

       Providing a buffer for families affected by the pandemic, the project involves 2,000 housing units from the existing People’s Housing Programme (PPR) under KPKT’s management and regulation.

       As of Nov 25, a total of 1,036 applications have been received through the National Housing Application System, while houses will be offered based on eligibility.

       Internet for all

       The second initiative is the continuation of the National Digital Network (Jendela) programme, called Jendela@PPR, which was implemented by the Communications and Multimedia Ministry to improve the country’s digital communication.

       It aims to expand internet access and connectivity via wireless hotspots installations in common areas, such as suraus and halls, to B40 residents living in 36 PPRs.

       The programme helps online traders, especially women, increase their family income through venturing into the digital economy.

       The 2022 Budget mentioned an allocation of RM30mil towards internet facilities in 40 existing PPRs, which will benefit more than 150,000 residents.

       Transforming night markets

       The third KPKT initiative to increase the people’s confidence in the endemic phase is through the Night Market Transformation Programme.

       As life returns towards normalcy, vigilance is still needed to minimise viral transmissions in socio-economic activities, such as a crowded night market.

       To boost the economy, the public needs to be confident when carrying out daily activities and this can only be achieved if they know their environment is healthy and safe.

       To do so, new normative practises will be introduced, by integrating the KPKT Night Market Management Guidelines with the National Security Council’s night market standard operating procedures. This gives night markets in local authorities a new image and uniformity in operation.

       Changing perceptions

       The fourth initiative is the Mybeautiful Malaysian Family programme, which complements the KPKT’s Liveable Malaysia agenda to rehabilitate low- and medium-cost strata housing for a more comfortable and liveable residential environment.

       Overall, there are about 23,152 schemes or strata developments across the country, involving approximately 2.5 million plots in total. From this total, about 3,519 low- and low-medium cost strata schemes are 554,257 parcel units with no joint management body or a management corporation.

       “I think the biggest achievement is when these initiatives fulfil the needs of the people and they feel the impact of these initiatives,” he pointed out.

       Facing challenges

       When asked on the challenges he encountered when implementing the renewal within 100 days as a minister, Reezal identified two that tested his mettle: data and expectations.

       As data has risen to become a highly valued commodity today, KPKT’s digitalisation initiative includes setting up a Housing Integrated Management System (HIMS).

       HIMS is a one-stop centre for housing developers to submit information on their projects developed in Peninsular Malaysia according to the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act 1966 [Act 118], going live in January next year.

       The other challenge that reared up in the aftermath of the pandemic, as citizens seek relief from their economic situation, which heightens expectations.

       He shared that on social media, issues on unprepared housing, imperfect housing, slow completion and more, are often raised, some of which pertain to KPKT’s projects.

       Expanding on future plans

       KPKT oversees eight departments and four agencies, touching all aspects of the people’s daily affairs, from housing to local government and more. To ensure that its services reach out to those who are affected, a range of short-, medium- and long-term plans were developed.

       The first is to make KPKT a strategic ministry that positively impacts the people, administered by a group of committed civil servants who are experts in their field.

       Secondly, KPKT has positioned themselves as the people’s problem solvers, looking at methods or approaches that ease their housing anxieties.

       He added, “We then need to also have a wider network and there are new synergies in getting things done. And that’s why I introduced Cross-Ministry Collaboration while at Youth and Sports Ministry. I wish to continue this spirit at KPKT.”

       Reezal also intends to make KPKT a ministry that creates reforms and innovations. He will preserve the good work set in place by his predecessor as he believes that there is no need to reinvent the wheel.

       “[But] we cannot be static and feel complacent with the current situation. If there are areas for improvement, let’s do this together,” he concluded.