HUDC APARTMENTS (Ownership by single persons)

Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi asked the Minister for National Development what specific surveys were done and what evidence was obtained to indicate that ownership of Housing and Urban Development Company (HUDC) apartments by single persons should be curbed in view of its "disturbing and undesirable trend".

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Housing and Urban Development Company regularly analyses the data it collects on applicants at the time of registration.

As at 31st January, 1981, HUDC had a waiting list of 6,256 applications. About 46% of the applications were from single persons. An analysis of the characteristics of single-person applicants revealed that 72% earned less than $2,500 per month at the time of registration. The majority are young. About 29% are below 25 years old. Another 51% are between 26 and 30 years old. Most single-person applicants indicated their intention to live alone. 1,981 applicants or 69% of single applicants listed only one occupant.

There is a rising trend of single persons applying to the HUDC for housing. In 1977, the number of applications from single persons was only 209. This figure rose to 1,451 in 1980, an increase of almost seven times in three years.

The Government believes in preserving the family unit to promote social cohesion. Many HDB policies have been revised to encourage families to live together so that the children can take care of their parents. The rising number of young single persons wanting to live on their own is, therefore, an undesirable trend. We do not wish to encourage this trend by making it easy for single persons to obtain HUDC flats.