By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
SHAH ALAM, Sept 24 — The Smart Rental Scheme, introduced by the state government in 2017, has gained popularity due to offering more affordable housing rentals compared to the wider market.
Selangor Housing and Property Board executive director Datuk Juhari Ahmad said that rental rates under the scheme are estimated to be 10 to 15 per cent lower than other housing options.
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Selangor Housing and Property Board executive director Datuk Juhari Ahmad attending the 2025 Selangor Budget dialogue session at the Setia City Convention Centre in Section U13, Shah Alam, on September 24, 2024. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
“This rental scheme aims to help those who are unable to secure bank financing to build up their housing savings, with 30 per cent of the total rental payments returned at the end of the rental period.
“The rental rates under this scheme range from RM450 to RM800, and since its inception, 852 families have benefited from it,” he said during the 2025 Selangor Budget dialogue session at the Setia City Convention Centre today.
Juhari added that demand for affordable housing in Selangor continues to be strong, with 146,987 applications received. Of this figure, nearly 50 per cent were from the Petaling district.
Meanwhile, the Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association Malaysia's national council member Datuk Tan Hon Lim said there is a need for a new formula to construct affordable homes which benefits both the public and the developers.
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Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association Malaysia national council member Datuk Tan Hon Lim during the 2025 Selangor Budget dialogue session at the Setia City Convention Centre in Section U13, Shah Alam, on September 24, 2024. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
“We propose the creation of a fund or foundation that brings together several developers. Through this fund, they can build affordable homes in locations where the demand is high.
“This will also ensure that each unit built is occupied, thus avoiding the risk of abandoned projects,” he said.
The Smart Rental Scheme provides an opportunity for low- and middle-income groups to own their own homes with a maximum rental period of five years. Thirty per cent of the total net rent paid will be returned when they no longer occupy the unit.
