Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said the built-up area of Rumah Malaysia would be no less than 900 sq feet compared to around 700 sq feet currently.

The ministry would also adjust the rental rates throughout the country.

“It is time for the people to get bigger houses to improve their quality of life.

“This will, in turn, make them high-quality citizens,” she said in a news conference after handing over the keys to house buyers of Taman Seri Molek Perdana Phase 1 and PPR Taman Perling, Johor, here today.

Also present were her deputy, Ismail Abd Muttalib, and state Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Ayub Jamil.

Zuraida said facilities such as playgrounds, a community hall and houses of worship must be provided at Rumah Malaysia’s projects.

A residents’ committee would be responsible for the maintenance and security of the residential area.

To avoid Rumah Malaysia from becoming unoccupied, the ministry also stipulates that eligible applicants must occupy the houses within three months after construction has been completed.

“I have requested that these houses be filled within three months. The state government must cooperate in getting occupancy. This includes allowing a two-year rental period while the applicants manage their bank loans and so on.

“If after two years, they still fail to obtain any financing, the state government has to decide whether to extend the rental period or find new applicants,” she said.

Zuraida said this year, 11 Rumah Malaysia projects, comprising 4,120 units, would be built nationwide. Three will be in Johor; in Kluang, Sembrong and Pengerang.

She said the projects were still in the tender process to find eligible contractors.

At today’s event, Zuraida handed over the keys to 160 residential units and eight shop units. These are among the 972 units in Taman Seri Molek Perdana and 525 units in PPR Taman Perling.