BATU GAJAH – About half of Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) houseowners in the state owe a total of RM3,582,674.58 in monthly instalment arrears, said state Syarikat Perumahan Negara Bhd (SPNB) director Tajul Safuan Abu Hassan.
Tajul Safuan said those who have failed to settle the monthly instalments had cited reasons, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and a decline in rubber prices.
He added that the Covid-19 excuse is not acceptable as the pandemic hit the country only in March this year, while some owners have defaulted on the instalments for more than three years.
“We understand that most of the RMR homeowners earn less than RM3,000 per month and we cannot put too much pressure on them, but if the arrears are not settled, many projects under RMR will be delayed,” he told reporters here today.
Tajul Safuan said Perak SPNB staff will go down to the ground starting next month to meet all RMR homeowners to learn more about their problems.
He said the company is targeting to get the defaulters – 2,695 out of 5,369 houseowners – to settle their arrears by the end of next year, so that new RMR projects could be carried out according to schedule.
“We will find solutions for those having genuine problems. We might offer a new instalment schedule, as some homeowners pay between RM150 and RM300 per month according to their scheme,” he said.
Asked if the company will take legal action against the owners, he said it will be a last resort, but SPNB will not want to use it as a solution. – Bernama, December 25, 2020
