Many homes left in limbo

SELANGOR has the highest number of abandoned housing projects, with 42 schemes involving 16,610 units, of which 8,226 have been sold, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.

The figures were part of the 114 abandoned housing projects nationwide, covering 29,407 units and 15,948 buyers as of May 31 this year.

These projects, said Nga, were classified as abandoned according to the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act 1966 (Act 118).

The state with the second highest number of abandoned projects was Kelantan at 19, followed by Terengganu (15), Johor (nine), Pahang (eight), Perak (five), Kuala Lumpur (six), Kedah (three), Negri Sembilan (three), Penang (three), and Melaka (one).

In a written reply, Nga revealed the breakdown for the states:

– Kelantan: 19 projects, involving 1,149 units, of which 1,071 were sold.

– Terengganu: 15 projects, 1,767 units, and 1,457 sold.

– Johor: nine projects, 4,638 units, and 2,487 sold.

– Pahang: eight projects, 1,161 units, and 807 sold.

– Perak: five projects, 1,375 units, and 557 sold.

– Kuala Lumpur: six projects, 1,345 units, and 832 sold.

– Kedah: three projects, 755 units, and 74 sold.

– Negri Sembilan: three projects, 389 units, and 344 sold.

– Penang: three projects, 139 units, and 85 sold.

– Melaka: one project, 79 units, and eight sold.

‘Nga said the National Housing Department categorises abandoned projects into three types – projects under planning, revived projects, and static projects.

Projects under planning are those that are being planned to be revived by stakeholders, while revived projects are those where restoration works have commenced. Static projects are those that are not viable.

Presently, Nga said there are 50 projects that are being planned, 50 projects that are being revived, and 14 static projects.

Nga said the restoration of abandoned projects takes between one and five years, subject to the complexities of the projects, such as court orders and the developers’ ability to rebuild.

“The Housing and Local Government Ministry will continue carrying out various initiatives to ensure Malaysians have access to quality and affordable housing,” added Nga.