THE Penang state government is making significant strides toward its goal of delivering 220,000 affordable housing units (RMM) under the Penang2030 vision.
As of October 31, 2024, a total of 162,689 units are in various stages of development, comprising 51,680 units ready for construction, 22,456 under construction, and 88,553 in the design phase.
State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu (PH-Perai) disclosed this during his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly at the State Assembly building in Light Street today.
“The state government is monitoring developers to ensure delivery of the remaining RMM 88,553 units still in the planning stage,” Sundarajoo added.
He also shared that the state government has approved a maximum household income limit of RM20,000 for applications under the open market category.
This measure is to prevent high-income groups, particularly the T20, from acquiring subsidised housing.
Sundarajoo also affirmed that the state government is committed to ensuring high-quality standards, particularly for affordable housing.
“For the RMM projects under the state government, developers are required to meet the quality assessment standards set by the Construction Industry Development Board’s (CIDB) Qlassic, with a minimum score of 70%.
“Additionally, the Local Authority (PBT) and relevant technical agencies will conduct a final inspection before issuing the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC).
“For every new housing development, buyers will be given a 24-month Defects Liability Period (DLP), during which developers must address any defects,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sundarajoo also shared that the RMM (‘Rumah Mampu Milik’) will be rebranded as Rumah MutiaraKu (RMK) effective January next year, to foster a stronger sense of ownership among recipients.
On the redevelopment project, Sundarajoo shared that the Ujong Batu redevelopment project is in the final stage of the Request For Proposal by the Penang Housing Board (LPNPP).
“The state always monitors old housing projects such as the Wisma Telaga that failed to obtain strata property rights. This housing is more suitable for the redevelopment project.
“However, the implementation is subject to the approval of the owners and the state government.
“The LPNPP is currently in the process of restoring the Management Corporation (MC) of Taman Siakap in preparation for the launch of its redevelopment project, before issuing the Request For Proposal (RFP).
“This project will provide a total of 400 affordable homes, with 200 units of RMM B2 and 200 units of RMM C3,” he added.
It is learned that the Ministry of Economy issued the list of projects for the Fifth Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) on October 18, 2024.
However, the Padang Tembak redevelopment study did not receive approval under the Fifth Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP). Sundarajoo assured that the state will appeal to the Ministry of Economy for the study’s reconsideration.
Touching on his environment portfolio, Sundarajoo announced plans to distribute free recycling bags to the public in selected areas starting in the first quarter of next year.
“Following this, the supply of recycling bags will be gradually reduced, and a charge of RM2 per bag will be introduced.
“The aim is to stop the distribution of recycling bags by December 2025 and reduce the use of single-use plastic bags.
“However, this proposal is still in the early stages of discussion, and the state government, through the Economic Planning Department (BPEN) and Penang Green Council (PGC), will conduct a detailed study on how to implement this initiative,” he added.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat