The National Land Use Planning Council is in the process of reviewing the matter of allowing residents staying at National Housing and Rakyat Jati schemes to run small businesses such as cottage industries.

This was revealed by Minister of Development Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid during the Second Meeting of the 21st Legislative Council (LegCo) Session yesterday, in response to a proposal forwarded by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman.

The minister said, “This matter is currently under review by the ministry and related agencies through the National Land Use Planning Council, with members comprising permanent secretaries from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism and the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications.

He elaborated, “In the discussion, there has been agreement to allow such activities and what remains now is to draft the regulations and policies to ensure the safety and well-being of the neighbourhood and the local community.

“The Ministry of Development recognises the potential of such activity in supporting community entrepreneurship, and Insya Allah, once the regulations are finalised, this proposal can be realised and implemented with proper guidelines.”

(News source: Borneo Bulletin)