KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 — The government should consider setting up a national housing board to ensure smooth implementation of projects for medium-cost and affordable houses for the lower-income group.

Senator Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said that among the current problems identified were delays in completion of projects due to the lack of cooperation between the federal and state governments.

“Look at PR1MA (Projek Perumahan Rakyat 1 Malaysia). Many of such houses should have been built fast and the government has started acquiring land from the states.

“But the projects appear to be delayed because they are still waiting for the funds or are still looking for suitable land, tenders have not been issued and so on.

“In Malacca, for example, we had applied for land two years ago but there’s no land, due to among others, objection from the landowners and the matter needs to be sorted out in court.

“I see that there is lack of understanding between the federal and state officers as though they have no experience and do not understand that the process is long.

“That is why a national housing board needs to be set up fast where it can meet and identify problems,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

He said the board should comprise the land officer, district officer, state secretary and any concerned individuals who could use the platform to get views and advice from all quarters.

Mohd Ali said what he raised were the concerns of the lower-income group, especially young people who wished to own a house but they could not due to delayed housing projects. — Bernama