THE Penang affordable housing (‘Rumah Mampu Milik’) has been rebranded to Rumah MutiaraKu (RMK) effective this month to foster a stronger sense of ownership among recipients.
State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu said the rebranding comes with a slogan, ‘Rumahku Syurgaku, Rumah Mutiaraku’ which translates to ‘My Home My Paradise, My Mutiara Home’.
Sundarajoo also announced that the guidelines for affordable housing have been enhanced, with new zoning conditions introduced for the construction of low- and low medium-cost homes.
“Previously, developers were required to allocate 30% of affordable housing for RMM Types A and B. Under the new guideline, developers now have options based on designated zones,” Sundarajoo said during a press conference at Komtar on Jan 24.
“The zones are divided into three zones, namely Zone 1 which covers the main region of George Town, Zone 2 which includes MBPP new towns in the northeast and southwest districts on Penang island, and MBSB new towns in Batu Kawan, Butterworth, Perai, Bukit Mertajam, Kepala Batas, Sungai Bakap, and Nibong Tebal, and Zone 3 which includes Balik Pulau,” he said.
Additionally, Sundarajoo announced updated contribution rates for developers who do not provide houses in Categories RMM A (maximum price RM42,000), RMM B1 (maximum price RM72,500), and RMM B2 (maximum price RM100,000). Local developers are required to contribute RM120,000 per unit, while non-local developers must contribute RM150,000 per unit.
Sundarajoo also added that the household income limit for the open market is also set at RM20,000 per unit.
Sundarajoo highlighted that the state Housing Board (LPNPP) is grappling with rental and maintenance arrears from tenants in the Public Housing Project (PPR) and the Low-Cost Public Housing Project (PPA), amounting to RM17.7 million.
“Tenants who fail to pay rent for more than three months will receive a notice, and the unit will be repossessed.
“These arrears not only result in a loss of income for the state government but also deny opportunities to those eligible for PPR and PPA housing,” he added.
It is learned that the arrears involve 7,854 units, some dating back to the 1970s.
Sundarajoo also shared that the LPNPP will also assess the eligibility of current residents to ensure the housing is allocated to those in need.
“If a tenant does not pay for three consecutive months, a notice will be issued to reclaim the unit.
“While we do not want to trouble the residents, we must prioritise ensuring that these facilities benefit those who truly deserve them,” he said.
Chief Legal and Enforcement officer Nadzifah Abd Rahim said long-outstanding cases, including those who have passed away or disappeared, will be cancelled.
She also mentioned that PPR rental rates in Penang range from RM70 to RM200 per month, ensuring affordability for low-income households.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian