By Yashila Issabelle
IPOH: A significant housing appeal, backed by more than 200 residents, has been submitted to the federal government, seeking to convert the current rental status of their units at PPR Taman Buntong Harmoni here to a crucial Rent-to-Own (RTO) scheme.
The memorandum, submitted on March 20, 2025, represents the collective voice of low-income (B40) families who see RTO as the only definitive path to generational stability.
“Our most urgent appeal to the government is to approve the Rent-To-Own (RTO) scheme for Taman Harmoni Buntong,” stated Chairman of Taman Harmoni Buntong Residents Association, Muhammad Faiz Abdullah.
“We are genuine B40 families, people who have worked hard, paid rent faithfully, and contributed to the community for years.
“What we are asking for is not luxury, but a basic human need for a home we can finally call our own.”
The core struggle for more than 200 families lies in the constant insecurity inherent in the rental model.
“Every term, we must renew our tenancy agreement, not knowing whether it will be extended or if rent will increase. Many of us have been here for more than 10 or even 15 years, raising our children and taking care of these flats as if they were ours, yet on paper, we remain only ‘tenants.’ ”
This insecurity, he noted, weighs heavily on every B40 family: “We pay every month, but we are still not building anything for our future.”
The residents argue that implementing the RTO scheme, which is already available in other regions, would fundamentally change their socio-economic standing.
“If the RTO scheme is approved, it will transform our lives. Ownership means stability, dignity, and peace of mind,” he affirmed.
Our children will grow up knowing they have a safe, permanent home. It would also motivate residents to take even greater pride in maintaining and beautifying this place.”
“For B40 families, RTO is not just a policy, it’s a pathway out of the poverty cycle.”
“We submitted our memorandum with more than 200 signatures on March 20, 2025, to the Prime Minister’s Office, KPKT, and the Perak Menteri Besar,” Faiz reported.
“Until now, we have not received any official reply.”
Seeking to amplify the residents’ appeal, Mr Faiz then contacted Ipoh Echo to share the details of their state.
However, Faiz remains optimistic: “I believe our voices will be heard, because the government has already shown goodwill by approving RTOs in other PPR areas and I trust that same empathy will reach Buntong Harmoni PPR.”
“Monthly, 385 residents of multiraces are estimated to pay RM126 to Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh (MBI),” he added.
Concluding his appeal, Faiz delivered a statement directed at the nation’s leaders.
“To the public and our leaders, I say this from the heart, we are not asking for wealth; we are asking for security.
“For the B40 families here, owning our homes means freedom from fear and dignity for our children’s future.
“We only seek equal opportunity, the same as those in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.”
“Give us the chance to stand tall, to be proud homeowners,” he pleaded.
For information, the People’s Housing Project (PPR) Buntong was built around the year 2004.
