THE Penang government is making significant strides toward becoming the first state in Malaysia to provide affordable housing with green certification.
Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu stressed that this initiative aligns with the state’s broader mission to raise environmental awareness and encourage public responsibility in safeguarding the environment.
“One of our key initiatives is to make Penang the first state to offer affordable housing with green certification.
“Regardless of whether a house is priced at RM42,000 or RM300,000, it will include green certification, either from GreenRE, Green Building Index (GBI), or others,” Sundarajoo said.
GreenRE (Green Real Estate), an initiative by the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (Rehda) launched in 2013, promotes sustainability within the property sector.
The GBI is Malaysia’s leading green rating tool for buildings, designed to promote sustainability in the built environment.
Sundarajoo announced this commitment during a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between the Penang Green Council (PGC) and Seameo Recsam at Komtar today.
“We are well aware of the impact of climate change, and Penang has experienced extreme weather patterns in recent days.
“While nature will always take its course, we must be responsible stewards of the Earth.
“A few months ago, we planted over 1.2 million trees across Penang in a historic achievement. Next year, we plan to take things to another level by planting Pinang (areca nut palm) trees, the tree from which Penang derives its name, on Earth Day or International Landscape Day,” he said.
Sundarajoo also highlighted the hibiscus tree-planting programme initiative, which was held in conjunction with Malaysia’s 67th year of independence.
“We set out to plant 6,700 hibiscus plants, but we surpassed our target, planting over 7,600.
“While these numbers may seem small, they send a powerful message about the importance of our national flower, the hibiscus.
“Moving forward, we will continue to champion these efforts, partnering with organisations like Seameo Recsam to drive sustainability in Penang,” he said.
Speaking about the PGC, Sundarajoo said the council established in 2011 under the leadership of former Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, has been a pioneering force in driving environmental sustainability in Penang.
“I was fortunate to be part of this journey, having been appointed as one of the first batch of directors.
“At that time, I was working in the corporate sector, leading green initiatives within my organisation. It was this experience that caught the attention of YB Lim, who invited me to join the founding team of the PGC.
“Over the years, PGC has grown significantly, achieving remarkable milestones despite having a modest team of just 16 people. One of the council’s first major initiatives was the ‘No Free Plastic Day Campaign’.
“This was a bold move, aimed at curbing plastic waste. This decision, made to protect the environment, also led to the ban on plastic straws.
“It has been an incredible journey, and PGC’s progress has been impressive,” Sundarajoo, now PGC’s vice-chairman, said.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow is the chairman of PGC.
Sundarajoo urged the people to play their part in protecting the environment.
“As we face the challenges of climate change, it is vital that we all play our part.
“In Penang, we are serious about protecting our environment and giving back to Mother Nature.
“Every small action counts, and as we have seen with our reservoir filling up after a period of drought, there is always some good hidden in every challenge.
“What goes around, comes around. Let us continue to work together to ensure a sustainable future for Penang and beyond,” he said.
PGC general manager Josephine Tan said the MoU signified the start of a collaborative journey driven by a shared commitment to environmental stewardship through education, research, and cooperation.
“This partnership is not just timely – it is essential, as it aligns with our collective vision of cultivating a sustainable future for Penang, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
“By joining forces, PGC and Seameo Recsam will not only enhance the environmental education landscape but also empower future leaders, educators, and students to confront climate challenges head-on.
“This partnership underscores our dedication to equipping learners with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to address urgent environmental issues and champion sustainable development,” she said.
Meanwhile, Seameo Recsam centre director Dr Azman Jusoh said the MoU was more than just a document.
“It is a pledge to collaborate in good faith, harness our collective strengths, and work together for the greater good in creating a more environmentally conscious world.
“Our shared goals may be ambitious, but they are within reach. I envision this partnership facilitating the exchange of expertise and resources, driving cutting-edge research and development.
“Through capacity-building programmes, we will empower educators and students alike, instilling in them both the passion and the skills needed to tackle the most pressing challenges facing our planet,” he said.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alissala Thian