THE Penang government has invested a significant amount of RM345.3 million to facilitate maintenance works in numerous housing schemes across the state.
Caretaker Penang Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the total allocation spans from 2008 until July 5 this year.
“The RM345.3 million allocation has been used to carry out 35,501 maintenance works for public and private housing schemes in the state.
“Such huge allocation also shows a huge sacrifice by the state government because of the limited resources we have.
“Nevertheless, we continue to allocate funds to improve the liveability and quality of life of the people of Penang. This is our commitment to them,” Jagdeep told a press conference during his working visit to Mewah Court Apartment in Batu Lancang today.
Also present was former Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong.
Jagdeep was there to announce an approval for a maintenance project for the residents there via the Penang Maximum 80% Maintenance Fund (TPM80PP) that had been approved earlier by the state government.
“Under the TPM80PP, the state government will be contributing RM381,040 to replace 16 units of water tanks at Block 98 and Block 100 of the apartment.
“The total cost of the project is RM476,300 and the residents only have to bear 20% of the total cost, equivalent to RM95,260.
“The maintenance project will start immediately and is expected to be completed in August,” he said.
On a separate matter, when asked to comment on a complaint by the residents about the short-term rental accommodation (STR) activity at the apartment, Jagdeep said he has instructed the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to take the necessary action since the management corporation (MC) of the Mewah Court Apartment has already decided to not allow such activity.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Alissala Thian