JOHOR BARU: NON-GOVERNMENTAL organisations have mixed views over the Johor Housing and Property Board enactment 2014 although they generally agreed about its objective to address the people's housing needs.
Iskandar Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Mohd Salikon Sarpin said the board would address the need for affordable and low-cost housing units, especially in Iskandar Malaysia.
He said the reason for setting up the board was noble, but he hoped it could be implemented effectively.
"The tantamount importance to the state government is to ensure sustainable property development in the state, property which caters to the needs of both the lower and middle income groups, and not just the rich.
"I hope it will be a smooth implementation without interference from any party."
Johor Indian Business Association president P. Sivakumar is sceptical as much is yet to be seen if the enactment will benefit the people.
He said it was timely to have a new housing policy but he hoped there would be a distinction between the executives and the monarchy when the enactment was implemented.
"Despite amendments, which have improved the enactment, my concern is that it might be subject to changes, or abuse, at a later stage, and this would bring us back to square one."
SMI Association of Malaysia president Teh Kee Sin said it was a wise decision to have the enactment to address the housing needs of the people and issues faced by developers.
He hoped the board would review the problem of escalating property prices in Iskandar Malaysia, which may force the people to shift and stay in the suburbs.
"Ballooning property prices are beyond our control and that is why the board is necessary to address the problem.
"Iskandar Malaysia's growth region is moving forward rapidly and so are property prices. The people must not be left behind when it comes to housing needs. I have high expectations that Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin could help solve housing woes sooner than expected."
