Over 80,000 Rumah Mesra Rakyat Homes Built Since 2002 as Affordable Housing Programme Continues to Expand
KUALA NERUS: Malaysia’s Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) programme has delivered more than 80,000 affordable homes nationwide since its introduction in 2002, reflecting the government’s continued commitment to improving homeownership opportunities for lower-income families.
The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) said a total of 80,672 housing units, valued at approximately RM6 billion, have either been completed or are currently under construction through the long-running initiative managed by Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB).
Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr. M. Noor Azman Taib said 79,260 homes have already been completed, while the remaining 1,412 units are progressing through various stages of construction before being handed over to successful applicants.
He said the programme remains one of the government’s most significant affordable housing initiatives, particularly for households that face difficulties obtaining financing through conventional housing loans.
“The Rumah Mesra Rakyat programme was created to help eligible low-income families own safe, comfortable and quality homes at an affordable cost. It continues to play an important role in improving living standards and providing long-term housing security,” he said during the presentation of house keys and offer letters for Terengganu RMR recipients at Dewan Ehsan, Felda Wilayah Timur.
According to Noor Azman, Kelantan has recorded the highest implementation under the programme, with 12,156 completed homes and another 57 units currently under construction.
Terengganu follows closely with 10,286 completed units and 154 more being built, while Johor has recorded 8,794 completed homes alongside another 145 units currently under development.
He said the figures demonstrate sustained demand for affordable housing across the country, particularly in states where homeownership remains a significant challenge for lower-income households.
The secretary-general explained that Rumah Mesra Rakyat forms part of the National Housing Policy, which focuses on expanding access to affordable homeownership while improving the overall quality of housing available to Malaysians.
Each RMR unit offers approximately 750 square feet of living space and includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms, providing sufficient accommodation for a typical family.
Homes are priced at RM90,000, with the government contributing a RM20,000 subsidy for every approved unit to reduce the financial burden on eligible buyers.
The remaining RM70,000 is financed through an interest-free repayment scheme extending up to 17 years, allowing recipients to make manageable monthly repayments without being exposed to commercial lending rates.
Noor Azman said the financing structure enables more low-income families to become homeowners while supporting the government’s broader objective of increasing affordable housing ownership nationwide.
Beyond improving living conditions, the programme also generates positive economic spillovers by creating employment opportunities within the construction sector and stimulating demand for building materials and related services.
He added that the government remains committed to strengthening affordable housing initiatives through SPNB and other programmes to ensure more Malaysians have access to quality homes regardless of their income level.
According to Noor Azman, the success of Rumah Mesra Rakyat over the past two decades demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained public investment in housing, helping thousands of families achieve homeownership while contributing to stronger and more inclusive community development across Malaysia.
