Set up high-powered tripartite housing task force, urges NUBE

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) today proposed the setting up of a high-powered tripartite task force comprising representatives from the government, employers and employees to deal specifically with housing policies.
NUBE General Secretary J. Solomon told Bernama that while it was heartening that the government had taken steps to provide affordable housing for low- and middle-income workers, more could be done with the setting up of the task force.
What was lacking now, he pointed out, was the lack of concerted and coordinated efforts by the Federal and state governments to provide adequate housing for the people.
"The task force could overcome this and speed up implementation," he added.
Solomon also highlighted the high cost of interest rates for housing loans and how employers could chip in to either absorb the interest or subsidise it, making it easier and affordable for their employees to own their dream houses.
He said NUBE had formally urged the Association of Banks to consider providing zero per cent interest for housing loans for its members.
Solomon added that neglect of housing needs might lead to social unrest and political instability, as seen in some countries.
He also praised the government and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for making the cost of living more bearable for workers, but expressed the hope that more government initiatives could be introduced to help the people cope with the rising cost.
"For example, the government could look into the possibility of providing subsidised electricity, water and transportation to ease the daily expenses of the people," he said. — Bernama