THIS Chinese New Year looks good for Kevin Saw who received a huge ang pow in the form of an opportunity to buy an affordable house.

“Now I can go back to my hometown and brag to my relatives about my newly-bought property instead of dealing with questions about whether I am in a relationship or not,” said the 30-year old market expert analyst.

He was among 775 shortlisted applicants for the Federal Territories Housing Scheme (Rumawip) during the launch and balloting session of the Lanai Residensi Bukit Jalil Rumawip project.

Out of these, a total of 416 applicants had their submissions approved while 263 applicants were approved with conditions. The project is an initiative by the Government with the cooperation of Berjaya Golf Resort Bhd to create affordable and conducive homes for the public.

Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor who launched the event at the Berjaya Property Gallery in Bukit Jalil, pointed out that the freehold property would be built on private land.

“When the balloting was opened, we received 1,202 applications for the units through the Rumawip portal.

“We care for the community, and this is a joint effort between the Government and a private developer to provide affordable homes to the public.

“The Rumawip policy, however, comes with certain conditions where successful applicants are not to sell their property within 10 years of obtaining the unit.

“This is to prevent speculators from selling the property at a higher price,” he said.

Also present at the launch were Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk Dr Loga Bala Mohan, Berjaya Corporation Bhd executive director Zurainah Musa and Berjaya Land Bhd chief executive Pee Kang Seng.

Successful applicants will obtain an apartment unit at the Lanai Residensi Bukit Jalil, a single 24-storey block that will house 648 units.