The role of PKNS in implementing the Selangorku Homes is no less important, but there are still many confused. Selangor Kini journalist Marniza Othman interviewed the General Manager of PKNS, Azlan Md Alifiah, for clarification.
How did the idea of Selangorku Homes as affordable housing come up?
The project is done based on a concept known as Kasih PKNS that puts emphasis on a sustainable and holistic environment for households. KASIH is the acronym for Kehidupan Aman Selesa Indah dan Harmoni (Peaceful Comfortable Beautiful and Harmonious Lifestyle). It includes community tuition centres, child-care centres and other facilities.
The history of PKNS began with the construction of low-cost houses since the 90s with almost 156,000 units being developed while nearly 85 percent are low-cost and medium-cost houses. Now, PKNS is committed to making the Selangorku Homes project sustainable.
What is PKNS’ target for this year and the next five years?
To construct affordable housing requires a high cost. Therefore, most Selangorku Homes construction by PKNS is not for profit. The strategy is to implement 7,500 units of Selangorku Homes starting from 2015 to 2019.
Many from the younger generation complain that it is hard to get homes below RM250,000. Views?
There is a price category that can be afforded by the younger generation. For example the Damai Residensi Bangi Apartments in Section 3, Bandar Baru Bangi that was completed last year. The houses were fully sold at a minimum price of RM60,000 and RM190,000 maximum.
The one under construction is the 104 units at Desa Alam in Section U12. To me, it can be afforded by the younger generation because the units are priced between RM100,000 to RM150,000. It is expected to be completed later this year. To date, 76 units have already been sold.
PKNS is not interested in building homes below RM50,000?
PKNS is no longer building low-cost houses. It is being replaced with homes priced from RM60,000 to RM250,000.
What are the strategic locations of Selangorku Homes? What about the future?
PKNS is preparing the Selayang Mutiara project in Bukit Botak and the Damai Residensi Bangi Apartments in Section 3, Bandar Baru Bangi.Those under construction are the 6-storey Apartment at Desa Alam, U12, Shah Alam, Section 1D at Antara Gapi and in Section 5, Kota Puteri.
In the pipeline is the Science Park 2 project in Cyberjaya which will be built in 2016; a 12-storey apartment in Kampung Sri Temenggung, Selayang.
The double storey terrace houses that are in the pipeline involves the location in Rada, Hulu Selangor in Antari Gapi, Laman 1, Bernam Jaya and in Section 9, Kota Puteri with a maximum price of RM250,000.
These are the locations that are high in demand. The project at Science Park 2, Cyberjaya, is a focus of buyers because it is a hotspot in the Klang Valley.
How can PKNS build affordable housing and generate profit at the same time?
Building Selangorku Homes requires high costs. For example the Selayang Mutiara project in Bukit Botak with a sales price of RM99,000.PKNS loses almost RM80 million.For Section 3, Bandar Baru Bangi, PKNS would lose RM12 million.
Actually, profits for PKNS are generated through the Siri Signature (medium-cost homes) and Siri Prestij (high-cost homes). In the next 15 years, the subsidy borne by PKNS would be RM1 billion to RM3 billion, depending on the cost.
How do Selangorku Homes help the young people own homes?
They key issue is the ability of the buyer. As the implementing agency of Selangorku Homes, PKNS supports policies by the Selangor government to help the people own their own homes, especially low-income earners. The home issue is a life necessity apart from food and clothing.
There are no plans to build hire-purchase concept homes in the future?
Housing development with the concept of hire-purchase depends on the financial situation of a development. As a developer, it would be complicated when we are forced to bear the cost for construction contractors. Unless there is a grant or programme with the help of the state government or the central government in terms of financial aid for these units. So, maybe it can be rented out.
How does PKNS avoid abandoning projects? What about performance and efforts to address this issue?
PKNS maintains its excellent record with no abandoned housing projects. Delay in completing, there were some. But it is important for each project to be completed, like the ‘build and sell’ concept.
An example of a successful abandoned housing project rehabilitation is Selayang Mutiara in Bukit Botak.
PKNS has also received the opportunity to take over some abandoned projects. The latest is where a PKNS subsidiary company, Selangor Industrial Corporation, took over an abandoned project in U10, Shah Alam, to be redeveloped.
Advice to prospective buyers of Selangorku Homes?
Selection is done by the Selangor Housing and Property Board (LPHS); it is not under the jurisdiction of PKNS. Sign up soon so that they can ensure the offer and demand of a housing project.
The date will be reviewed to determine the demand of residents for an area. House prices will become more expensive in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur with an expected increase of between 11 to 12 percent.
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