The People's Facilities Initiative (IKR) with an allocation of RM500 million to enable the public to apply for funds for small infrastructure public projects, is expected to be able to solve various urgent repair, maintenance and development issues.

Head of the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Design and Architecture, Universiti Putra Malaysia Assoc Prof Dr Mohamad Fakri Zaky Jaafar said that the immediate provision allows the facility problems faced by the people to be solved quickly.

"We are aware that local authorities (PBT) have a long list and certain priorities in solving residents' problems and here we see that this IKR initiate allows the community itself to make requests for their urgent needs directly to the government.

"Residents are those who will be affected by damaged facilities and now they can ask for help from the federal government with the urgent repairs," he told Bernama.

Yesterday, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said that IKR was a federal government aid aimed at democratising government funds in financing the implementation of small projects, such as repairing halls or damaged roads, which will be regulated by the state governments and local authorities.

The public can now apply for assistance for small public infrastructure projects through the IKR website at https://ikr.ekonomi.gov.my/.

Mohamad Fakri Zaky also suggested that the residents' association together with the residents apply for such assistance to maintain elevators, walkways and others.

Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said the government's efforts could help the PBT in the financial aspect and guarantee a more comfortable life to the community.

“As you know, we have halls but there is no maintenance, there are also broken street light cables that require too much cost, there are roads in the PBT area that fail to be properly managed," he added.

Pahang Local Government, Housing, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Datuk Seri Johari Harun said that one of the most important things in ensuring that renovation work could be carried out immediately is the procurement or appointment of contractors.

"When the allocation has been channelled to the respective departments, the process of appointing (contractors) can be carried out immediately and close monitoring by the relevant parties can ensure that it is completed on time with good quality of work," he said.

Johari said the initiative would also help small contractors who are increasingly affected by the current economic situation.

Selangor Local Government, Public Transport and New Village Development Committee chairman Ng Sze Han said he hoped that the people and local authorities would be able to take advantage of this initiative after the mechanism is detailed by the Ministry of Economy.

A G1 contractor, Mohd Anuar Ibrahim said the government needs to monitor the implementation of projects under the initiative and ensure that they are awarded to those who meet the set criteria and standards.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency