Melaka: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh has urged property developers in the state to consider providing lifts in the construction of shoplots and residential properties exceeding two storeys to improve accessibility for buyers and enhance the marketability of the properties. He said such facilities should not be viewed as a luxury but as an essential feature, particularly for the elderly, in building a better future for Melaka.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ab Rauf emphasized the necessity of this initiative, highlighting that the state government is considering introducing a new policy to require proposed shoplots and three-storey residential properties to include lifts. This move aims to enhance accessibility, especially for senior citizens. "We have observed that many multi-storey properties in Kota Laksamana, Banda Hilir, and Melaka Raya remain unsold, with the lack of lift facilities being one of the contributing factors," he told reporters after witnessing the signing of an Affordable Housing Development Agreement between the Melaka Housing Board (LPM) and Skywiz Reality Sdn Bhd.
Meanwhile, Ab Rauf stated that the state government aims to build more than 38,440 affordable homes in the future to enable more Melaka residents to own their homes. He reported that 23,514 affordable homes had been completed to date, with a continued commitment to such projects under the Melaka Sayang Rakyat (MeSRa) initiative. "The state government firmly believes that owning a home is not only a basic necessity but also the foundation of strong family institutions, community well-being, and inclusive, sustainable state development," he said.
Earlier, he mentioned that Skywiz Reality Sdn Bhd would develop 903 housing units on a 26.56-hectare site in Mukim Durian Tunggal, Alor Gajah, over the next three years. Of the total, 453 units will be affordable homes, comprising 61 low-cost houses, 54 low-medium cost houses, 200 Type A affordable homes, and 138 Type B affordable homes, with the remaining 450 units designated as open-market homes.
Ab Rauf added that the project is expected to generate returns of RM2.38 million for LPM, with the developer required to commence construction within 90 days of the issuance of Form B by the Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ). "The state government, through the LPM, will continue to monitor the implementation of this project to ensure that all agreed commitments are fulfilled responsibly, particularly in terms of schedule, specifications, and quality," he said.