Tuesday, December 2, 2008

malaysiakini and the NUDE THREAT?

Nude squad to stalk S'gor MB over rent hike as a protest against the Selangor government's decision to raise public housing rental from about RM125 per month to RM250.
I believe these rentals were fixed many years ago and the present rent does not reflect market rates.
These flats and low-cost units have to be maintained and I think the mistake of the government is that the agreement did not include rental review at a regular interval.
While the cheap rental is to help those who are considered poor, one would be surprised to look at some of the assets that tenants own.
It is not uncommon for some tenants to make good in business and own a few cars.

There should be a clearer policy guideline on those who qualify for subsidised public housing - these include:

1.A means test to check family income.
2.A repeat of the means test after 5 years to replace those who have become successful.
3.A definite rental increase every 3 or 4 years by 5% or the CPI whichever is lower.

It is ironic that many such tenants operate food business and they have no qualms to up their prices by 25 to 30%.
I suggest the MB should not be upset at the suggested threat but take it all in with a hearty guffaw - after all they are going to be totally disarmed.

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