'Special agency to monitor construction of affordable houses mulled'

PETALING JAYA: The government has proposed to set up a special agency to monitor the construction of affordable houses and People's Housing Project (PPR), said Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan.
He said the matter is expected to be brought up to the National Housing Council Meeting scheduled for today.
"Through this agency, we want to standardise the role between the federal and state government in the issue of housing.
"This agency will be monitored by me, ministry's secretary-general and board of directors comprising experts from the construction, property and housing agencies in the public and private sectors," he told a media conference after officiating the 18th National Housing and Property Summit 2015' here today.
Earlier, in his opening keynote address, Abdul Rahman said 2015 was a challenging year for housing developers as many of the industry players were facing a slowdown in sales.
"Building houses during this challenging time is no walk in the park. Demand for residential property in Malaysia is set to slow further in 2015 as forcasted by Moody's in its recent report published in 'Inside ASEAN'.
"But still, the agency thinks that Malaysia's property risks remain manageable for financiers and developers, which are expected to remain resilient to possible shifts in sentiment and property prices," he said.
Abdul Rahman said however, government and private sector could and would work closely together to overcome the tough times in the property and housing industry.
"We shall continue to be responsive to the private sector and create a positive business environment, therefore it will promote greater business and investor confidence in the industry," he said. – Bernama