Use of use abandoned and unused buildings lauded 15 Jul 2021 / 12:00 H.
PETALING JAYA: Industry players have lauded an initiative to temporarily use abandoned and unused buildings as welfare hotels and quarantine centres.
Association of Valuers, Property Managers, Estate Agents and Property Consultants in the Private Sector Malaysia president Michael Kong commended the government on the idea.
“With the pandemic situation growing critical, many city dwellers may be displaced, out of shelter or homes and in dire need of social and welfare assistance.”
He said by having a centralised area where people in need can go to for shelter, food and security, the needy can be cared for much more effectively.
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.
‘WFH not influencing property buys’ Bernamapix
PETALING JAYA: The trend of buying properties on the outskirts of towns and cities is not new and the current uptick in sales may be influenced by factors other than the work-from-home (WFH) concept, property experts said.
President of the Association of Valuers and Property Consultants in Private Practice, Michael Kong, said the trend was prevalent even before the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I do not believe it is due to movement restrictions and the WFH culture,” he told
theSun.
“WFH may be a temporary phenomenon due to the pandemic and when things return to normal, I expect the working environment to also return to normalcy, albeit at a reduced pace. Humans are by nature social creatures and need interaction, exchange of ideas and direct communication.”