PUTRAJAYA: An initiative to provide housing for those whose livelihood has been affected by the pandemic has been launched.

       Known as the "Malaysian Family Housing Initiative" or Rumah Ikram, this initiative by the Housing and Local Government Ministry was aimed at assisting those affected in getting affordable rental.

       Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was scheduled to launch and hand over keys to Rumah Ikram participants on Sept 24.

       Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said that 1,000 People's Housing Project (PPR) units nationwide are available for rent at RM124 monthly.

       "We know that the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the lives and livelihoods of many people.

       "Some lost their income or had their salaries greatly reduced, affecting their ability to pay for housing," he said.

       "There are also people who were evicted as they could not pay rent," added Reezal on Wednesday (Sept 15).

       Reezal said that the government was aware of the plight of affected groups and as such, the Rumah Ikram initiative was the Ministry's way of reaching out to those in need.

       "We hope that state governments will come in to participate in this initiative so that we can offer more houses to those in need," he said.

       Applications for Rumah Ikram are now open and can be submitted through teduh.kpkt.gov.my

       Successful applicants will be informed within a week after submitting their application and will be offered to rent the place for two years.