KUALA LUMPUR (May 21): The Eleventh Malaysia Plan (11MP) will see policy makers increasing the low- and middle-income group's acesss to affordable housing.

This will be done via special interest rate loans to buy houses. The scheme will come with a 10-year moratorium on sale of the properties, according to the 11MP report.

The report said affordable housing schemes by Perbadanan PR1MA Malaysia and Syarikat Perumahan Negara Bhd would be continued. Housing rental assistance will also be made to eligible households, according to the report.

“For poor households in rural areas, especially Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia and those living in Sabah and Sarawak, the government will continue to provide housing with basic amenities through the construction of integrated settlements under the Program Bantuan Rumah.

"Affordable housing is a platform that creates strong and stable communities, with better economic, education, and health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. The Government will
therefore continue to provide affordable housing for the poor, low- and middle-income households, with differing levels of support based on need," the report said.