THE ‘Skim Perumahan Sewa Khas’ (SPSK) scheme, aimed at providing housing for youths and singles in Penang, is currently in its initial phase. Once implemented, it is expected to significantly benefit these groups.
State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu (PH-Perai) revealed this during the Penang Legislative Assembly session at the State Assembly building in Light Street today.
Sundarajoo highlighted that the People’s Housing Programme (PPR), to be developed in Jelutong by the Housing and Local Government Ministry, will serve as the pioneer project for the SPSK scheme.
“The process of appointing a contractor will commence once funding is secured. The PPR in Jelutong will comprise 500 units,” he said.
He elaborated that the Penang Housing Board (LPNPP) has proposed allocating 250 units, each 650sq ft, for young families, while the remaining 250 units, sized at 450sq ft, will cater to youths and singles.
Sundarajoo made these remarks in response to an oral question by Lee Boon Heng (PH-Kebun Bunga).
Additionally, he shared that the LPNPP is studying a proposal to repurpose unsold affordable homes as transit housing for youths and singles under the SPSK scheme.
“Priority will be given to older, unmarried individuals within the ‘single’ category,” he added.
He also announced that the LPNPP will reserve 10% of affordable housing units built on state-owned land for a rent-to-own scheme.
As part of the initiative, redevelopment projects such as Kampung Ujung Batu and Kampung Manis will be included.
For applicants of the affordable housing scheme who have been rejected by banks three times, Sundarajoo confirmed that they would be eligible for the rent-to-own option under the LPNPP.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Siti Nabilah Noorazis