Johor bahru: Johor has emerged as a leader in the affordable housing sector, recording Malaysia's highest performance in applications under the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme (SJKP) with financing totalling RM1.1 billion.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johor Housing and Local Government Committee Chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor announced that the success involved 8,963 approved applications aimed at assisting B40 and M40 groups facing documentation constraints or irregular incomes in securing home ownership.

Mohd Jafni highlighted during the Johor State Legislative Assembly session at Sultan Ismail Building, Kota Iskandar, that the Prime Minister allocated over RM20 billion for SJKP this year, with Johor ranking first in the nation for SJKP funding. The state has been able to provide affordable housing options under RM200,000, reflecting its commitment to the housing agenda.

In response to a query from Nor Rashidah Ramli (BN-Parit Raja) regarding the state's affordable housing projects in areas such as Batu Pahat and Parit Raja, Mohd Jafni outlined comprehensive reforms for 2025-2026. These include direct aid such as RM5,000 home purchase grants, RM2,000 move-in aid, and RM2,500 rental support, helping beneficiaries reduce the initial financial burden of homeownership.

Focusing on Batu Pahat, Mohd Jafni shared that 3,142 Johor Affordable Homes (RMMJ) units have been identified, encompassing completed, under-construction, and planned projects up to 2030. In Parit Raja, the development includes 497 units, featuring the Bandar Genting Pura Kencana project, which is set for completion by January 2028.

Additionally, Johor's Bangsa Johor Transit Homes (RTBJ) initiative offers a rent-and-save scheme that helps tenants accumulate up to RM11,000 for home deposits over five years, underscoring the state's strategy to facilitate homeownership for young people.