THE dilapidated People’s Court, a low-cost flat under the jurisdiction of the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) at Lebuh Cintra, is being given a much-needed facelift.
Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng expressed his gratitude to the Local Government Development Ministry for funding the project, which amounted to RM400,410.
Out of the sum, RM50,000 is for the repaving the back and side lanes in the MBPP housing scheme area while the rest is being used to repair the existing walls and repaint the exteriors of blocks A, C and D, including the corridors.
“We’re happy that the council (MBPP) has started resurfacing and repainting the buildings after it was last done 10 years.
“The main problems for the residents here are leakage and old cable issues . After the council has done the resurfacing and repainting works, we hope that it will upgrade some units,” said Teh, who visited the site today.
From Nov 25 to Dec 11, the tarring of the damaged road, along with the back and side lanes, has been completed, while the repainting and repairing of apartment walls commencing on Dec 1 will be completed on 31, March 2024.
The four-storey council flat, comprising 105 units, consists of 26 shop units and 79 residential units. The residential units vary in size, ranging from 438sq ft to 506sq ft per unit, while the shop units range from 136sq ft to 582sq feet per unit.
The rental rate charged for residential units is RM64 per month (no room) and RM97 per month (1 room) while the rental rate for the shop unit is RM208 per month up to RM758 per month. There is a hall that has been rented out to the residents’ association at a rate of RM100 per month.
Penang Island City Council counsellor Benji Ang Ming Quan, who was also present, said the flat still has about 10 vacant units for rental as some have relocated.
“Applicants have to meet certain criteria set by MBPP to qualify as tenants,” he said.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar