Pix for illustration purposes.
PETALING
JAYA: It is possible for Malaysia to emulate the Housing Development Board (HDB) concept to provide conducive living environments, but it will be an arduous journey.
Real Estate Federation (FIABC) Malaysian Chapter previous president, Yeow Thit Sang, said the reason HDB worked well in Singapore is that the government realised housing was its biggest problem and squatter settlement was occupying land on a single footprint.
He said the government then embarked on its housing programme with intention to give every citizen a roof over their heads.
“Even China came to Singapore to learn the philosophy and method of the housing board. As the country became affluent, the people’s salary rose in tandem. Hence, its citizens were able to purchase HDB houses.