PERMANENT RESIDENTS IN HDB ESTATES

PERMANENT RESIDENTS IN HDB ESTATES: 14.

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the total number of permanent residents (PRs) who own HDB flats and the distribution pattern of PRs in the various public housing estates; (b) whether his Ministry will ensure that there is a good mix of PRs in the various housing estates to encourage better integration with Singaporeans; and (c) whether his Ministry will consider expanding the current policy on racial mix for HDB flats to include PRs.

Mr Speaker: You have three minutes, Mr Mah.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: Sir, our public housing policies are designed for the benefit of Singaporeans. We have reserved new HDB flats for Singaporean households. Only Singaporean households are eligible to buy new HDB flats and receive our generous housing subsidies. Permanent Resident (PR) families are not eligible for housing subsidies that Singaporeans enjoy. They are not allowed to buy a new flat from HDB or enjoy any housing grant. However, PRs need a home in Singapore. Therefore, they are allowed to buy properties from the open market, including HDB resale flats.

PRs are subjected to all the same HDB rules as Singaporeans, including the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP). The EIP was introduced to achieve a healthy racial mix in HDB estates and prevent the formation of ethnic enclaves, regradless of whether they are citizens or PRs. By providing HDB residents of different races with more opportunities to interact as neighbours, the EIP fosters inter-racial understanding and strengthens social cohesion in Singapore.

As at 30th June 2009, there were 533,000 PRs in Singapore, making up 14.3% of Singapore's total resident population. PR households own a total of 42,800 HDB flats as at 30th June 2009. This constitutes slightly under 5%, or 4.9% to be exact, of all HDB households. PR households are found in all HDB towns and estates.

Sir, assimilation of PRs is an important national objective. As the Member suggest, a good mix of PRs in HDB estates is important. My Ministry will keep a close watch on the distribution of PRs living in HDB estates. Where necessary, we will consider measures to prevent the congregation of PRs and foreigners.

3.00 pm

Mr Speaker: Order. End of Question time.

[ Pursuant to Standing Order No. 22(3), Written Answers to Question Nos. 16-20, 23, 25-30, 32-33, 36-37, 39, 41-42, 44, 46-51 on the Order Paper are reproduced in the Appendix*. Question Nos. 15, 21-22, 24, 31, 34-35, 38, 40, 43, 45, 52 have been postponed to the next available sitting of Parliament .]

*Cols. 1759-1802.