Deputy Finance Minister Johari Abdul Ghani has called on the Kuala Lumpur City Council (DBKL) to relook into a few aspects concerning the proposed construction of apartment buildings in Bukit Keramat to enable more affordable houses be built in the area.

Johari, who is also Titiwangsa Member of Parliament, said he had been deluged with complaints from most of the original residents of the area who felt that the proposal was done without taking into account their opinions and best interests.

He said this to reporters after joining over 100 residents on a visit to the project site today.

The signboard at the site stated that the proposed project was for the development of two apartment buildings at Lot PT9902, offering 274 units of affordable houses and another 274 units to be sold at free-market price.

The deputy minister explained that there were several government-linked companies which had offered themselves to DBKL to implement the project and offer 100 percent affordable houses (548 units) to be sold at a price below RM200,000 in the same area.

"I always support development, but it must be implemented in line with the people's aspiration and requirement.

“This area is not located in the city centre, so why can't DBKL relook into this matter and reconsider the people's needs," he added.

- Bernama