MUTIARA Heights Apartment residents started their Sunday morning with a delightful news when their application for the upgrading of 10 lifts was approved by the Penang government.
State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo, presented the letter of approval to Mutiara Heights management corporation chairman Muhamad Arshad Abdul Rahman and his committee members at the apartment today.
“I am here today to announce that the application to upgrade 10 lifts amounting to RM310,000 has been approved.
“Under the Penang Maximum 80% Maintenance Fund (TPM80PP), the state government will pay 80% (RM248,000) while the Joint Management Body (JMB) will pay 20% (RM62,000),” Jagdeep told a press conference at Mutiara Heights Apartment today.
The upgrading works involve five lifts in Block A and another five in Block B.
According to Jagdeep, the initiative (TPM80PP) which was started by the Penang government in 2010, has received encouraging response.
“As of now, under this fund, a total of RM35.35 million has been spent by the Penang government; involving 240 applications with 393 projects.
“Upgrading and replacement of lifts remain the highest number of projects, totalling 215 projects out of the 393 projects,” Jagdeep added.
The 45-year-old apartment project (Blocks A and B) comprises 1,075 units.
Jagdeep said the aid is crucial for the people.
“It shows that the Penang government cares.
“Until September 2020, the Penang government has spent a total of RM256.86 million on various housing maintenance funds,” Jagdeep added.
The RM256.86 million includes maintenance works for housing schemes under Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), all private and public housing schemes and the Penang Maximum 80% Maintenance Fund (TPM80PP).
Separately, Jagdeep hinted that the current target of building 180,000 units (low-cost, low medium-cost and affordable homes) by 2030 will most likely see an increment due to the on-going Covid-19 pandemic.
“The pandemic has reduced the buying power of many people.
“There is a greater need now to increase our target of 180,000 units of various affordable homes by 2030.
“I have spoken to the Chief Minister about this, and he is very positive about it. I will be making an announcement regarding this matter very soon.
“Having a shelter over our heads is the most basic and common need, therefore, the Penang government will continue its efforts to provide the best where housing matters are concerned,” Jagdeep added.
Also present were Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim and Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan