THE People’s Housing Project (PPR) at Taman Manggis in George Town will be the first PPR project in Penang to adopt the gated and guarded scheme beginning Feb 1. This move is part of the state’s initiative to address issues related to the maintenance fees.
Issuing his stern call, state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu reminded the occupants to pay their maintenance fees on time to avoid penalties.
“This initiative is in line with the announcement by the Housing and Local Government Ministry to tackle the maintenance arrears.
“Residents who fail to pay their maintenance fees will face restricted access to their units, including being unable to enter the compound or use the lifts.
“This is our effort to make sure every occupants at the PPR units here are paying their maintenance on time. When they pay their maintenance on time, many beneficial initiatives can be carried out at their neighbourhood.
“The market value of the units will be much better when maintenance fees are collected efficiently,” Sundarajoo told reporters after his visit to the PPR Taman Manggis today.
During his visit, Sundarajoo mentioned that PPR occupants must vacate their units for those in greater need once their household income improves after three years.
“Residents with a household income of RM1,500 are eligible for the units. If their income surpasses RM1,500, they can consider the rent-to-own (RTO) scheme.
“We can’t be letting them stay in the PPR units forever, as we must prioritise those in need,” he explained, adding the affordable housing scheme has been renamed Rumah Mutiaraku.
Sundarajoo, however, said the Housing Board will consider valid reasons for the occupants to remain if necessary.
Also present were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Benji Ang.
Story and pix by Edmund Lee