The Johor government will expand its Perumahan Kasih Johor (PKJ) initiative next year with a new RM1,000 rental deposit assistance scheme aimed at helping people facing difficulties securing rented accommodation.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said RM25 million had been allocated for the first phase, which is expected to benefit about 10,000 recipients.
He said the assistance would not be limited to the Bangsa Johor community, as the state government would also consider extending the scheme to Federal civil servants working in Johor.
According to Onn Hafiz, the initiative was introduced following feedback from people, particularly those who have recently started working and may struggle to afford the upfront rental deposit.
“Through PKJ, God willing, the state government will approve a new scheme or product, namely the Bantuan Deposit Sewa Rumah Bangsa Johor,” he said after the PKJ Phase Five handover ceremony today.
The proposed assistance could also benefit Federal civil servants such as nurses, teachers, police officers and military personnel who have moved to Johor for work.
Onn Hafiz said the state government viewed those who worked and contributed to Johor’s development as part of the wider Bangsa Johor community, regardless of where they originated.
He said eligibility would continue to take into account applicants who live and work in Johor, in line with the state’s approach to housing assistance.
Meanwhile, the fifth phase of PKJ involved 6,000 recipients and RM22 million in assistance. The state government is also scheduled to continue the programme with its sixth phase next month, involving another 5,000 recipients.
The expansion reflects the state government’s continued efforts to ease the financial pressure faced by residents, particularly those dealing with the rising upfront costs associated with securing rental housing.
Onn Hafiz said the new initiative would further strengthen Johor’s housing assistance agenda while ensuring support reaches people who need help getting into suitable accommodation.
