DRIVEN by a strong passion for serving the community, the state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu has opted to embark on a political career with the aim of effecting positive change and addressing the needs of the people.
Coming from an eco-based developer background, Sundarajoo expressed his commitment to environmental protection during the development process. He brings with him a wealth of experience from his tenure with SP Setia and EcoWorld Malaysia.
“People might perceive developers as unfriendly towards the environment, accusing them of destroying forests to make homes. However, I consider myself an eco-developer, given my exposure with SP Setia and EcoWorld Malaysia.
“When we undertake development projects in forested areas, we harvest old trees, replanting them in a seedbed and subsequently, we relocate these trees to designated empty spaces, effectively creating new green areas.
“We have our ESG initiatives (Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance), eco-reserving initiatives and proper water retention ponds. These are the things that I have learned over the last 37 years and with that, you can also call me a good environmentalist.
“In the course of development, I know the dos and don’ts that can damage or preserve the environment. I also to used be the director of the Penang Green Council,” Sundarajoo said during an interview with the Buletin Mutiara team recently.
Sundarajoo also shared that the Setia SPICE Convention Centre, which he designed, not only created additional green spaces but also achieved the prestigious GBI (Green Building Index) gold certification, indicating its sustainability and environmental friendliness.
“There were a lot of objections to this project (SPICE Convention Centre) as there was an area for people to jog, and they were worried that I would be taking away the green lung in the name of development.
“However, I told them during our roadshows that I was not going to destroy nature but indeed, would be giving them ‘more green’ than what they already have.
“If you go on the rooftop of the SPICE, you can see a beautiful park that surpasses the previous one in beauty and functionality. No one would believe that there is a park up there unless they see it themselves,” he said while adding that development could also create a new environment by eco-conscious developers.
As the Perai assemblyman, Sundarajoo is dedicated to fulfilling his election manifesto by making the Kampung Manis redevelopment project one of his priority projects to enhance the residents’ quality of life.
“There are a total of 292 families residing there and the place is in dire condition, including inadequate drainage, leaky houses, and overgrown bushes. The residents even report sightings of snakes.
“I have already figured out a plan for Kampung Manis and will soon issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to engage developers to transform this land.
“My goal is to award the RFP to the developer with the best proposal by next year. Once the RFP is awarded, we hope to have affordable housing units ready within two and a half to three years from 2024.
“Although there are only 292 families, we plan to build 300 to 400 units to help other poor families,” said Sundarajoo.
He also shared that the redevelopment plan would encompass shop houses, condominium and commercial activities in the surrounding area.
Sundarajoo also shared that he had called for a meeting with the Railway Assets Corporation (RAC), which is the landowner, to make a site visit.
According to Sundarajoo’s official Facebook, it is learned that the team from the RAC had visited Kampung Manis, together with a total of seven private developers, on Sept 19.
On his entry into politics, Sundarajoo, known for his down-to-earth personality, said that after retiring from the real estate industry at the age of 61, he began his political journey to serve the people.
He contested as the Perai candidate in the recent state election and won with a big majority. He has been a Penang voter for the past 20 years.
“Throughout my career, I have been involved in social work through the respective foundations of SP Setia and EcoWorld.
“Additionally, in my personal capacity, I have also adopted children as well as supported students in their education, and assisted needy families,” he said.
Sharing some knots of inspiration, Sundarajoo said he used to hold two jobs during his younger days to provide a better life for his family.
“My eldest son, when he was about six years old, once asked me why I was working so hard, juggling between being a driver in the morning and driving a taxi at night. He wondered why I was torturing myself.
“I told him that I did not want my family to go through the life that I went through and for that I had work. And at the age of 60, I told myself that I did not want my society to go through what I went through as a kid.
“It was the society that made me from zero to hero, so it is my duty to pay that debt through service,” Sundarajoo said passionately.
Sundarajoo also added that he would be heading the committee in charge of the affairs related to Tamil schools.
Wrapping up the conversation, Sundarajoo expressed his hope to enhance the living standards of Perai residents by addressing traffic woes, flooding issues, and the housing needs of Penangites.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar