GELANG PATAH: The Iskandar Regional Development Authority (Irda) wants more transit homes built within the Iskandar region to meet rising demand.

Its chief executive officer Datuk Ismail Ibrahim said since the launch of the first transit housing project, known as Rumah Iskandar Malaysia (RIM) in 2008, demand had increased mainly from those who started out in the economic region.

“We have proposed that the Federal Government build more transient housing in the five flagship zones – Johor Baru City Centre, Iskandar Puteri, Eastern Gate Development Zone, Western Gate Development Zone and Senai-Kulai to support existing development in the surrounding areas.

“Providing transit homes for those in the midst of looking for their own houses is in high demand.

Also present among the 1,000 guests was Mentri Besar Datuk Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

Ismail said the RM200mil project, which was occupied by residents in stages since 2012, was a success going by the efficient management and high discipline of all parties, especially residents paying their rent on time.

He said the rental ranged between RM460 and RM710 for apartments that have three or four bedrooms.

The facilities include a football field, community hall, food court, playground, multipurpose court and rainwater harvesting pond.

“We also provide about 32 units for disabled persons; these units are designed to suit their needs,” he said.

Ismail said among the criteria for transit home applicants were that they must be Malaysians with families, which include single mothers, have a stable income, work within 20km from RIM, not own any property and possess a household income of not more than RM8,000.