THE Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) have been urged to take swift action against housing developers deliberately delaying affordable housing projects in the state.
Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu expressed concern over the slow progress of these projects(under the planning phase category), emphasising the state’s commitment to delivering affordable homes to Penangites.
“So far, out of our targeted 220,000 affordable housing units, over 160,000 have either been completed, are under construction, or are in the planning phase.
“However, I want to highlight a worrying issue—more than 70,000 units categorised under the planning phase have yet to see any actual construction progress,” he said.
In response, Sundarajoo has directed MBPP and MBSP to summon the responsible developers for a special meeting to address the delays and seek amicable solutions.
“If this issue persists, we will take a firm stand. The state will not approve any new planning permissions for these developers unless they commence construction on their pending affordable housing projects first,” he stated.
While acknowledging that this decision may seem strict, he stressed that it was necessary to prevent further delays.
“If we do not take decisive action, this situation will continue, and Penangites will be deprived of their right to affordable homes.
“Our duty is to ensure that those who cannot afford expensive properties still have access to housing,” Sundarajoo said in his speech at a breaking-fast event at Royale Chulan Penang Hotel in Weld Quay yesterday (March 19).
The event was attended by Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Penang Housing Board (LPNPP) acting general manager Fakhurrazi Ibnu Omar, and Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) general manager Datin S. Bharathi.
Sundarajoo also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to achieving its target of 220,000 affordable homes by 2030, ensuring that housing remains accessible to those in need.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis