(Bandar Seri Begawan, 6th) Religious Affairs Minister Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Badaruddin Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Othman stated yesterday at the second meeting of the 21st Legislative Council that since 2009, more than 125 houses have been built for 'asnaf' (i.e., eligible impoverished groups), with three more currently under construction, at a total expenditure of BND 236,321.
This statement was made in response to a query from Member of Parliament Abdul Aziz Haji Hantan regarding the establishment of a rental housing assistance mechanism to resolve issues of certain groups defaulting on rents.
The Minister added that currently 38 houses are being evaluated and supported by the Public Works Department (JKR), with estimated funding of BND 4.56 million.
In addition, there are plans for another 13 houses to be submitted to the Zakat Fund Allocation Committee (JMZ) for contractor selection support, which is expected to involve BND 1.73 million in funding.
Regarding the suggestion as to whether the government should establish a rental housing assistance mechanism, the Minister noted: “Our Ministry does not see the necessity to establish such a mechanism, as the Zakat, Wakaf and Baitul Mal Management Authority (JUZWAB) itself already provides newly built houses for eligible asnaf.”
He also revealed that as of July 9 this year, a total of 317 'asnaf impoverished households' are actively receiving rental housing assistance, with estimated annual funding amounting to BND 3.32 million.
This statement was made in response to a query from Member of Parliament Abdul Aziz Haji Hantan regarding the establishment of a rental housing assistance mechanism to resolve issues of certain groups defaulting on rents.
The Minister added that currently 38 houses are being evaluated and supported by the Public Works Department (JKR), with estimated funding of BND 4.56 million.
In addition, there are plans for another 13 houses to be submitted to the Zakat Fund Allocation Committee (JMZ) for contractor selection support, which is expected to involve BND 1.73 million in funding.
Regarding the suggestion as to whether the government should establish a rental housing assistance mechanism, the Minister noted: “Our Ministry does not see the necessity to establish such a mechanism, as the Zakat, Wakaf and Baitul Mal Management Authority (JUZWAB) itself already provides newly built houses for eligible asnaf.”
He also revealed that as of July 9 this year, a total of 317 'asnaf impoverished households' are actively receiving rental housing assistance, with estimated annual funding amounting to BND 3.32 million.