SkyWorld Development Group will construct 800 affordable units on state land located 300 m away from the current housing site. The start date for the construction, however, has yet to be determined,  reported The Star.

SkyWorld, via its subsidiary Medan Srijuta Sdn Bhd, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the residents for the transfer of ownership to them, after which the original land will be acquired by it for another development.

Seri Negeri Sembilan PA residents association chairman Md Yusof Md Isa said they were happy and hoped the government expedites the project.

“The current buildings here were built and completed in 1981 and are in bad condition. We have to deal with leaky pipes, broken septic tank and leaky roofs, among others. The maintenance cost has also increased significantly, ” he said.

Md Yusof explained the residents would go on servicing their loans and would not need to get a new loan for the new house.

Datuk Ng Thien Phing, SkyWorld Development Group founder and managing director, said the company was only waiting for the Federal Government’s final approval before starting the project.

“The process can take up to 18 months before we obtain the necessary approvals such as the development order and building plan. After the new project is completed, the residents can move in, after which we can start development at the old site, ” he said.

Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad praised the plan and said the government would support redevelopment efforts for the People’s Housing Project (PPR) and PA flats in the city.

“The Seri Negeri Sembilan PA was built 38 years ago and each unit is only 420sq ft to 540sq ft, which is hardly conducive for living. For the new development, each unit will be 800sq ft,” he said.