Malaysia official urges lower hall rental fees for low-income programs

Kuala Lumpur's community halls are imposing rental fees that are too steep for programs aimed at low-income families, according to Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, chairman of the Federal Territory KEMAS Community.

Johari stated that the original rental rates are a significant burden for parents involved in KEMAS (Department of Community Development) programs. He plans to raise this issue with the Cabinet soon.

"DBKL needs to be aware because these programs are not organized every week or every month by KEMAS," Johari said at a press conference. He noted that KEMAS Federal Territory has to pay approximately RM15,000 to use a hall for events like Alpha Gen Talent, which he deems excessive given the program's frequency.

He hopes DBKL and hall management will consider offering free usage at least once a year for KEMAS programs, emphasizing that participants are from low-income families. Johari believes the government should view hall usage for these programs as a social contribution, not just a revenue stream.

"If the cleaning cost is the reason for the fee, I am willing to contribute to cover the cleaning and maintenance needs of the hall," he offered. The RM15,000 fee, he added, strains KEMAS Federal Territory and could hinder program organization for low-income groups in Kuala Lumpur. Johari has discussed the proposal with Minister of Federal Territories Hannah Yeoh. He also suggested that if fees must be charged, the rate should not exceed RM5,000 to ease the organizers' burden. "Parents who attend also pay assessment taxes and related fees, so DBKL hall facilities should be considered a social contribution," he concluded.