Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is prepared to release reserve land and former shooting ranges nationwide to be developed as sites for the 'Satu Anggota Satu Rumah' (SASaR) housing programme, as part of efforts to safeguard the welfare of Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) personnel. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin highlighted the necessity of this initiative, given that many ministry-owned lands are now encircled by public housing developments, rendering their original purpose as shooting ranges unsuitable.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamed Khaled emphasized the importance of promptly reclassifying the status of these lands to prevent them from being appropriated by other entities for alternative developments. He asserted that the conversion of suitable land into SASaR housing projects is preferable to losing these assets to external parties, especially since they are meant for the ATM. This move aims to provide more personnel the chance to own homes.
Mohamed Khaled noted that reserve land in Pahang and Penang, as well as two former shooting ranges, have already been identified for this purpose. During the handover ceremony of SASaR Residensi Sateria in Sungai Besi, he mentioned that this project marks the first completed SASaR development, benefiting 3,500 eligible recipients.
The Defence Minister described the project as a vital government intervention, enabling military personnel to acquire homes at significantly reduced prices compared to the market. The homes are priced between RM150,000 and RM250,000, offering affordability that would otherwise be unattainable for the personnel without such initiatives.
In addition to the Sungai Besi project, Mohamed Khaled mentioned ongoing similar projects at Wardieburn Camp and in the Setapak area. He assured that through Housing Blueprint 3.0, the ministry would continue to oversee all planned projects to ensure their timely completion, aligning with the goal of facilitating homeownership for ATM personnel.
Mohamed Khaled concluded by emphasizing the significance of housing, describing it as a foundation for life, where family values and a sense of togetherness are fostered. He reaffirmed that providing housing remains a primary agenda for the Ministry of Defence.