Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), through the National Housing Department, has allocated RM 8.4 million to replace 20 lifts in four private strata housing locations in the Nilai and Seremban areas.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Negeri Sembilan Local Government Development, Housing, and Transport Committee chairman J. Arul Kumar stated that the Strata Affordable Housing Maintenance Programme (PPPMB) for Private Housing Lifts 2025 is expected to be fully completed by October. The allocation includes RM2.3 million for the Desa Palma Apartments in Bandar Baru Nilai, which will replace five lifts across five eight-storey building blocks.

"Now, each block is getting a new lift, and with this replacement, we hope the residents can enjoy more comfortable and safer facilities," said Arul Kumar during a working visit at the Desa Palma Apartments.

Arul added that similar projects are underway at Desa Cempaka Apartments, Desa Jati Phase 2 Apartments in Bandar Baru Nilai, and Taman Seremban Putra Apartments, Seremban. The assistance complements previous maintenance initiatives by KPKT through the Malaysian Housing Maintenance Fund (TPPM), which have included repairs to roofs, electrical wiring, plumbing systems, and sanitary facilities.

Residents have expressed relief at the improvements. S. Tamilchellvan, a 64-year-old resident, recounted past issues with the old lifts, including frequent incidents of residents getting trapped. "Last year, a pregnant woman and a small child were trapped for almost 30 minutes. We called the fire department, and they had to break the lift door," he shared.

Dr. B. Malathy, another resident, expressed gratitude for the new lifts at the Desa Palma apartments. She noted that the majority of residents are college students, lecturers, and teachers who value comfort and safety in their living environment.