The tenants of transit housing scheme - Rumah Transit 1Malaysia (RT1M) Pinggiran Bukit Jalill - are seeking for an extension, reported The Star.

They are also calling for a change of the scheme's transit status to permanent.

Launched in 2014, the transit housing scheme in Bukit Jalil was meant for newlyweds below the age of 30 with a household income of not more than RM3,000. Such tenants were given two years to stay, after which other newlyweds will be given the chance to move into the units.

Full-time housewife Juliana John, however, said it would be financially challenging to move out now given the high property rental rates.

The tenant from Sabah has two children and another one on the way. Her husband only earns RM2,000 per month as a driver.

Another tenant hoped the authorities would take into account the rising cost of living.

"Two years is not enough time to gain financial stability…Because of the economic crisis, my company is no longer giving me a housing allowance" said Fitri Nadianti Zulaidi.

Yassir Yaacob, on the other hand, said the authorities should offer them units to buy in affordable housing schemes. This will not only assure them a roof over their heads but also provide them with a chance to acquire their own property.

Meanwhile, Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government (UWHLG) Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar revealed at a townhouse session with the tenants that 31 of the 162 tenants whose contracts are expiring on 31 March would be allowed to stay until the end of 2017.

In underscoring the need to exercise financial prudence, Noh reminded tenants of the transit housing scheme to be prepared to move out after the two year period.

The ministry received 111 appeal letters for an extension from the occupants of the 632-unit RT1M. Of these, 53 were approved, while another 33 will be approved on condition that all arrears are settled.

The ministry rejected 26 since the tenants were found to be either earning more than RM5,000, did not live in the units or were not Malaysian citizens.

"I acknowledge that you are all comfortable staying here at very low rental rates…But the time has come when you have to plan towards owning a home for the future of your own families" said Noh.

"By moving on, you give others a chance to enjoy the benefits of this scheme too.”