PENANG has a sufficient number of affordable housing projects to accommodate the people of the state.
State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu said Penang has set a target of delivering 220,000 affordable homes by 2030.
“Let’s just say we have 220,000 affordable homes and if we have an average of four people in an affordable housing unit, we can house 880,000 people.
“Penang has a population of about 1.8 million people. This means that the affordable homes which the state is providing are almost 50%.
“And with that, the Penang government will still continue to provide affordable homes for the people. We will not stop.
“The state has provided over 150,000 affordable homes which include already built, being built or being planned to be built. We have another 70,000 affordable homes to go.
“These affordable homes will be provided in all five districts. Development must extend strategically and thoughtfully across various areas,” he replied to a question by a journalist today.
Penang has various affordable housing categories with prices ranging from RM42,000 to RM300,000.
He also reiterated that Penang would soon be introducing a new affordable housing category priced at RM100,000 per unit for those with a household income of above RM3,500 and below RM5,000 a month.
Separately, Sundarajoo said that his office would be looking at improving some policies concerning the density and plot ratio for development projects on the mainland.
“We may not want to have two standards in terms of density and plot ratio. This is something that I want to look into during my term of office.
“If I can offer almost the same plot ratio and density on the mainland, you will be surprised. Many developers may rush to Seberang Perai and do development because the land in Seberang Perai is cheaper as compared to Penang island.
“We are looking at improving the policies to attract more investors and developers to come to Penang, which will not only create more homes for people to stay but also create jobs. That is the way to move forward because our population is increasing.
“Penang is a growing population, and the industries are growing too,” he said, adding that Seberang Perai would be in an ‘expanding mode’ and he was bullish about that fact.
Sundarajoo said, however, that several factors must be considered when it comes to development.
“We cannot allow a high plot ratio in the heart of George Town. We must always take into consideration traffic management.
“We cannot be giving a high plot ratio, knowing that the roads (in certain areas) can no longer be expanded. So, it is very much dependent on the traffic impact assessment.
“If the roads and existing infrastructure can accommodate, we can consider for higher plot ratio. But if it is already a congested place, like George Town, for example, it will not make any sense (to consider a higher plot ratio) which will only further burden the infrastructure.
“That will not help the industry, state, or the people. We want Penang to be a liveable state which is clean, green, and safe,” he said.
Earlier, Sundarajoo held a media conference to announce the 8th Malaysian Secondary and Primary Property Exhibition (Maspex), which will be held from Dec 7 to 10 at the Lower Ground Level of Queensbay Mall.
According to the media release, the exhibition, touted to be Penang’s largest, would showcase over 3,000 properties worth more than RM2 billion from various real estate agencies.
Sundarajoo said visitors could expect a diverse array of property options spanning various price ranges and locations, ranging from homes priced at RM250,000 to well over RM1 million.
“Commercial, retail, and industrial properties will also be listed for sale and rent,” he said.
Also present at the media conference was the Penang Housing Board chief business officer Fakhurrazi Ibnu Omar.
Maspex is a platform for real estate practitioners to present various sub-sale property listings and new projects to the public. Currently, 20 booths have been secured.
Maspex 2023 is organised by the Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA).
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud