Property development magnate Goh Choon Lye will set aside RM150mil to help the low-income group settle the 10% downpayment if they want to purchase units in the three affordable housing projects under the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) in Penang.
Goh said the 10% downpayment ‘loan’ could be paid back within 30 years without interest.
It was reported on Wednesday that the Federal Government, through 1MDB, would build 9,999 units of affordable apartments in Air Putih, Air Itam and Paya Terubong on the island.
The projects would include 6,666 low-cost homes at 700sq ft each and 3,333 affordable homes at 1,000sq ft each.
“These housing projects are very good and are in prime locations.
“They are equipped with car parks and have facilities,” he said yesterday.
Goh, the adviser of the projects, added that the existing residents on the land would be generously compensated.
He also said that it would be a loss if Pakatan Rakyat went on to abolish the 1MDB as stated in its manifesto.
“I used to help my parents sell kuih when I was living in Rifle Range. This is my way of helping the low-income group to own a home,” he said, adding that he was once a resident of Air Itam too.
The projects, which are still in planning stages, would begin after the necessary licences and approvals are obtained.
Meanwhile, when asked on his philanthropic act of giving out ‘ang pow’ in Air Itam last week, Goh said it was in conjunction with his 51st birthday on May 1.
“I like to help the poor, especially those in Air Itam,” he said, adding that he contributes to charity three to four times a year.
When asked if he would continue to donate during his birthday next year, he said he would do it for as long as there is money in his pocket. - By JOSEPHINE JALLEH (The Star)
2 comments
Dear 1Malaysia,
If you honestly want to build affordable housing to benefit the people, for goodness sake, you should not deal with Goh Choon Lye. He might have some brains, some guts, some samseng friends that you think might come in handy at times, but his biggest problem is, he has zero integrity.
Dear 1Malaysia, I believe by now, you would have realized how big a mistake you have made towards the very end of your campaign by engaging Mr Goh's "service"....:)
Is he human?