Kuala Lumpur: A total of 76,664 applications involving RM17.86 billion under the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme (SJKP) were approved from its implementation in 2008 until Dec 31 last year, the Dewan Negara was told today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu highlighted that 68,594 of these applications were from youths aged 40 and below. She emphasized the significance of the SJKP initiative, noting a substantial increase in approved loans over the years. In 2019, there were only 6,054 approved applications amounting to RM329.5 million. However, by the end of last year, this number had surged by over 92 percent, reaching 76,664 applications valued at RM17.86 billion.

In addition, SJKP has expanded access to housing financing, particularly for first-time homebuyers who typically face difficulties in securing loans, such as those without fixed income or salary slips, including gig economy workers and those in the informal sector. During a question-and-answer session, Aiman Athirah responded to Senator Datuk Nelson W. Angang’s query regarding the impact of the SJKP initiative and its effect on homeownership rates among marginalized groups with limited access to housing loans.

Aiman Athirah stated that SJKP has benefited young people and those in the low- and middle-income groups. It reflects the government’s commitment, particularly through the ministry, to ensuring that every citizen has access to housing, either through ownership or rental.