SINCE 2008, some 28,915 units of low cost, low medium cost and affordable housing schemes have been built in Penang and 22,065 units are being built while 32,212 units have been approved for construction.
Exco for Local Government, Housing and Town & Country Planning Jagdeep Singh during the launch of the affordable housing expo at Prangin Mall on Aug 19 said that the state government is committed in providing more affordable homes as well as introducing more rent and buy housing schemes.
“The state government gives priority in providing adequate amount of various types of affordable housing projects which include low cost and low medium cost housing units.
“As of now (since 2008) some 82, 472 of affordable housing units have been built, being built and will be built,” said Jagdeep.
The affordable housing expo which was held for two days on Aug 18 & 19 had some 13 exhibitors including the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) which showcased some 6, 284 units of various types of affordable housing.
Jagdeep also stated that the state government will continue to carry out the maintenance work for low cost and low medium cost housing units.
“We have spent some RM80 million for the maintenance work of eligible housing (private and public) and we will continue with our programme (Penang Maximum 80% Maintenance Fund TPM80PP),” he added.
Apart from that, Jagdeep also touched on the state government’s introduction of rent and own policies for the lower income group.
“Pertaining to the promise on introducing rent and own policies to Penangites, two pioneer projects in Sungai Duri Permai and Taman Seruling Emas have received tremendous support.
“And we are thankful that the federal government has agreed to consider the state government’s proposal on implementing PPR (People’s Housing Project) housing scheme in Kampung Tok Subuh and Mak Mandin through the rent and own policy,” said Jagdeep who is also Datuk Keramat assemblymember.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter