THE Penang Development Corporation is committed to completing the structural repairs at the Bukit Gedung flats although the Occupancy Certificate (OC) was handed over to the flats Management Corporation (MC) in 2020.
Part of PDC’s critical repair works there include structural repairs at Blocks 12, 12A, 16 and 16A, as well as the gutter replacement at 10 blocks with a combined estimated cost of RM1.5 million.
Chow applauded PDC for its commitment despite no longer holding the OC of the flats.
“This clearly shows the commitment of the Penang government to ensure the people live in a safe, peaceful and healthy environment.
“We will continue to assist all housing schemes in Penang, especially long-existing, low-cost and low-medium cost flats that require our assistance,” Chow said in his speech during the meet and greet session with the residents at the Bukit Gedung Flats (Type R) in Bayan Lepas today.
It is learnt that the repainting works, which started in October last year, are currently ongoing at the flats.
Expected to complete next month (February), the repainting works will incur some RM1.4 million, which will be funded by the Federal Malaysia Home Maintenance Fund (TPPM).
In view of the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, Chow and his entourage distributed bags of home essentials and other necessities to selected households, courtesy of PDC and the Mutiara Food Bank.
Home essentials, such as rice, flour, cooking oil, sugar and others, were given out to 100 recipients.
PDC also prepared lunch for some 2,000 residents.
There are a total of 909 units and 10 blocks at the flats.
In the evening, Chow visited the Persatuan Penganut Thiru Arut Prakasa Vallalar Penang elderly care centre in Medan Batu Maung 8.
In his speech, he expressed his appreciation to the non-governmental organisations and caregivers who play a crucial role in helping the state government to grow and progress.
“I believe that a government is strong when the people are strong. Penang is prosperous and strong because of its people.
“It is due to the collaboration between the government and the people that we have created many job opportunities and formulated policies that protect and care for the people.
“We are grateful for the strong NGO network in Penang. Thank you for helping the community,” he said.
He also spoke about active ageing.
“We have been making constant efforts to advocate the importance of active ageing.
“Here, we encourage you to make full use of your time. Everyone has 24 hours a day. Whether we choose to be happy or sad, we still have 24 hours a day.
“I believe in this… It is not how much time you have in your life, but it is how much life you have in your time.
“In other words, it is how you make the time you have in your life meaningful,” he said.
He also thanked Penang Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain for arranging the visit to the Persatuan Penganut Thiru Arut Prakasa Vallalar Penang elderly care centre as part of the Jelajah ❤️ Penang 2.0 to Bayan Baru today.
Chow then announced an allocation of RM50,000 from the Chief Minister’s Office to the centre. Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin also announced a contribution of RM10,000 in support of the centre.
Story by Kevin Vimal and Christopher Tan
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar and Law Suun Ting
Video by Noor Siri Nabilah Noorazis