KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 — The hardship and pressure faced by buyers of a ‘sick’ or abandoned housing project stirred the emotions of a Member of Parliament (MP) during the debate on the Supply Bill 2024 in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Zahir Hassan (PH-Wangsa Maju) was in tears as he discussed the challenges experienced by buyers of a problematic housing project in his parliamentary constituency, to the extent that some passed away before being able to occupy their homes.
“The 2,400-unit project faced significant delays, causing the buyers to experience continuous stress because they have to keep paying rent and, at the same time, pay the bank.
“The delay caused social problems, including divorces among buyers. Our condolences to those who couldn’t move in and passed away,” said the visibly shaken Zahir.
The situation prompted Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Ramli Mohd Nor to request Zahir to briefly pause before resuming the debate. However, the MP opted to continue with his speech.
Zahir also congratulated the Task Force Team under the Ministry of Local Government Development (KPKT) for their outstanding achievement in rescuing over 250 delayed, troubled and abandoned private housing projects until August this year.
“These efforts gave hope to thousands of people affected by these projects. The Task Force team also paid great attention and assistance to one of the projects that was critically troubled within the Wangsa Maju parliamentary constituency,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chong Chieng Jen (PH-Stampin) proposed that companies and industries using green energy be given tax rebate incentives to encourage the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Based on the Dewan Rakyat calendar, the 2024 Supply Bill would be debated at the policy level for eight days before the ministers start answering from Oct 30 onwards.
The Members of Parliament will take part in the debate at the committee level for 12 days starting Nov 6.
The Dewan Rakyat is in session for 32 days from Oct 9 to Nov 30.
