According to a Malaysiakini report, Teng refuted a Nanyang Siang Pau report which claimed the state government had abolished the 10 per cent Bumiputera discount for serviced apartments, Soho (small office home office) and Sovo (small office versatile office).

Instead, the DAP lawmaker said prices for these properties had been made uniform, so the 10 per cent discount would now apply to all buyers, regardless of their race.

“We offer them to low- and middle-income groups. So, there is no reason for Bumiputeras to be given discounts and non-Bumiputeras not to receive discounts because they are equally poor,” he said, adding that there was no issue of the Bumiputera discount being abolished.

Earlier today Nanyang Siang Pau reported the purported abolition of the 10 per cent Bumiputera discount under the state government’s affordable housing guidelines.

Teng said the price of serviced apartments, Soho and Sovo would henceforth be set by the state government, where the highest price for a serviced apartment could be RM270,000, with Soho and Sovo sold for up to RM230,000.

Teng said applicants with a household income of RM15,000 a month would be eligible. Previously, only those with a household income of RM8,000 a month were eligible for these units.

However, those with a household income of less than RM10,000 will be given priority and details of the new housing guidelines will be announced on Sept 1.