HDB FLATS (Removal of income ceiling)

Dr Aline K. Wong asked the Minister for National Development if he will remove the income ceiling for those who are affected by the recession and who wish to move to smaller flats.

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Mr Speaker, Sir, the income ceiling of $1,500 per month for purchase of 3-room or smaller flats has been removed since April 1985. Those who are affected by the recession and who wish to move to smaller flats may do so without restriction.

Dr Aline K. Wong (Changkat): Mr Speaker, Sir, would the Minister consider allowing these families which are affected by recession to stay in the rental flats, as a stop-gap measure, before they are allocated a new flat but of a smaller size?

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Mr Speaker, Sir, at present HDB has a large number of flats. In fact, it is catching up with the waiting list. Therefore, the waiting time for purchase and rental flats, especially for small flats, is shorter and I believe the purchaser can get the flat faster.