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Local government

Johor State Government Denies Offering Subsidies or Free Houses to Foreigners

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Johor state government in Malaysia has refuted claims that it offers subsidies or free houses to foreigners, including Singaporeans. State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor stated that such reports are untrue and a scam. The state government has set a floor price of RM1 million for house purchases by foreigners to protect the interests of local people and ensure affordable housing is a priority.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Johor state government has never offered subsidies or free houses to foreigners, including Singaporeans, and such reports are considered a scam.
  • The state government has set a floor price of RM1 million for house purchases by foreigners to protect the interests of local people.
  • The Johor Affordable Housing (RMMJ) initiative has seen 19 cases of scams with losses of about RM155,000, serving as a reminder to be vigilant against dubious offers.
  • The Rumah Kasih Johor (RKJ) initiative has been allocated RM67.5 million until 2026 to provide free houses to the hardcore poor, with a target of building 500 units.
  • The state government has handed over 17,745 RMMJ units, priced between RM42,000 and RM300,000, showing consistency in prioritizing housing for its people.
  • The Johor-Singapore housing subsidy fraud warning issued by the Singapore Police Force was reported on Facebook, with an advertisement promoting the "JBSG Housing Subsidy Programme" or "Free Homes Across the Causeway."
  • Johor police chief CP Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad has stated that his department has not received any reports regarding the Johor-Singapore housing subsidy fraud.

Statistics:

  • The floor price for house purchases by foreigners is RM1 million.
  • 19 cases of scams involving the Johor Affordable Housing (RMMJ) initiative have resulted in losses of approximately RM155,000.
  • The Rumah Kasih Johor (RKJ) initiative has been allocated RM67.5 million until 2026.
  • 17,745 RMMJ units have been handed over to the people, with prices ranging from RM42,000 to RM300,000.

Sources:

  • "Johor govt denies offering subsidies to foreigners." Bernama, Official News Agency of Malaysia. www.bernama.com, accessed on 02 March 2023.

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