Rompin youths talk about GST, housing

Expensive housing development, the newly-implemented Goods and Services tax (GST) and improved quality of life are some of the issues raised by youths in Keratong 2 here today.

Among the grouses is that the FELDA housing projects for the generation are tagged so steep that the second generation of settlers cannot afford purchasing them.

Shamsul Mat Yamam, a resident of Keratong 2 houses sold at RM110,000 to RM140,000 are deemed way too expensive for the young ones there.

“If possible, let the housing be affordable ... if it is not affordable then it is difficult. RM30,000 to RM40,000 is affordable... now with up to RM140,000, we are not able to afford it,” he told Astro AWANI.

Shamsul, who is a voter at the constituency, said many second-generation settlers do not have their own houses because they are not able to afford it.

In addition, he said the rising prices of goods now also pose a burden to the people there, especially with the implementation of the GST.

He also said the activities enjoyed by the youth such are sports are still not being implemented.

“We want to see real change happening, no matter what it is,” said Shamsul.

Another residen Husin Maun echoed Shamsul's sentiment.

“We want our rights... we were promised the homes but the price is between RM120,000 to RM140,000. We cannot afford,” he said.

Felcra Berhad chairman Datuk Bung Mohktar Radin said settlers who cannot afford a home priced at RM125,000 will be up for consideration to own one at a cheaper price.

Eligible Felcra members will be given the opportunity to own a home according to certain conditions and a different design.

"The original price will be reduced accordingly and the price will be as low as RM60,000 to those who are eligible,” he told reporters in Rompin here.

He was met during a leisurely evening programme with participants of the Felcra Bukit Ibam project today.

Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has issued a statement regarding FELDA housing project for the newgeneration, in which he has directed for the prices of houses to be reduced.

He said the decision was made after receiving complaints from the new generation and a request for the housing prices to be reviewed.

Najib said he had instructed the FELDA director-general, Datuk Hanapi Suhada to offer the houses at RM90,000 through the sale and purchase method.