BATU GAJAH: Syarikat Perumahan Negara Bhd (SPNB) assures that prices of Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) will not be hiked, following the rise in the sales and service tax (SST) to 8.0 per cent effective from Friday.

  Acting chief executive officer Zahanuddin Kamarudin explained that this is due to RMR projects not encompassing the consultation aspect, a critical element in terms of construction typically seen in private developer projects.

  "Other developers may experience price increases, as they need to cover consulting service costs, including engineers and architects involved in the new SST rate hike. 

  "SPNB has also instructed appointed contractors to expedite RMR construction to save various costs, to indirectly help in maintaining house prices at the existing rates," he said.

  He was speaking at a press conference after officiating the Urban Community Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility programme in Taman Metro Maya here on Saturday.

  For the record, since 2020, SPNB has been offering RMR houses to the bottom 40 per cent household income group at RM75,000 per unit, which includes a government subsidy of RM20,000.

  These residences are equipped with three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and two bathrooms, covering an area of approximately 750 sq ft.

  Furthermore, Zahanuddin mentioned that SPNB had allocated RM160,000 to facilitate the Urban Community Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility programme in several states, including Perak, this year.

  He added that this programme, which is in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, aims to enhance social well-being and strengthen harmony within the community.

  "We conduct health talks, provide information related to the scope of government agencies, and more," he said.