IN a gesture of appreciation and prioritising the needs of its civil servants, the state government has offered the first batch of 90 staff members the opportunity to own a home in the rent-to-own housing scheme package (PHOME).
Caretaker state Local Government, Housing, Town and Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said this (PHOME) is the commitment shown by the state government for the civil servants’ welfare.
“The state government has always prioritised the civil servants and the disabled in the selection process to own the affordable homes of various schemes in Penang, including those who had to vacate their homes.
“Since 2013, some 8,000 civil servants have been offered affordable homes of various housing schemes,” Jagdeep said when he attended the offer letter handover ceremony at G Hotel today.
At the ceremony, a total of 10 staff members from the Penang Housing Board also received certificates and RM1,000 each as recognition for their excellent services.
Jagdeep also added that the PHOME recipients just need to make the monthly payment without any interest for a 15-year period before the home ownership could be transferred to them.
Meanwhile, one of the recipients, 36-year-old Mohamed Zaidi Mat Yusof thanked the state government for taking care of the well-being of its people.
“I would like to thank the state government for its thoughtfulness and care towards its people, especially those in need,” said Zaidi, who is married with four children.
Another recipient, Nor Hidayah Saad, 32, was overjoyed that her desire to own a house was finally fulfilled.
“The waiting is over as my dream to own a house has come true. I now await further details of the RTO housing project.
“As I know, the housing project is located in Bertam,” Nor Hidayah added.
Another proud recipient Mohd Yatim Ahamad, 39, expressed that being a PHOME recipient is something that he will cherish forever as it marks a significant milestone in his life.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Law Suun Ting