THE Housing and Local Government Ministry has proposed to build two People’s Housing Projects (PPR) in Penang and intends to table its proposal under the 12th Malaysian Plan (12MP).
Its minister, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, said this during his first visit as a minister under his new portfolio to the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) main building in Bandar Baru Perda today.
According to him, about 45 per cent of B40 families in Penang are from the central Seberang Perai district and north Seberang Perai district.
“I have proposed for the PPRs to be built one each on the mainland and island.
“PPR units in Penang are still very limited, and more so since the majority (B40 families) are based on the mainland, we hope the plan would materialise soon.
“The other one was proposed to be built on the island, in which the location is yet to be identified. The same applies to the one on the mainland as well.
“Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, we have also planned to increase the number of affordable housing units, maintenance works and other relevant processes to give the best for the people,” Reezal Merican, who is also the Kepala Batas MP, said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is expected to table the 12MP on Monday (Sept 27).
Meanwhile, state Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo applauded Reezal Merican’s commitment and said that housing matters should not be politicised.
“We cannot afford to politicise housing matters. It is a basic need for a family to have a roof over their heads. As the representatives from Federal and state governments, we will continue to do our best for Penangites.
“We truly appreciate the commitment given by the minister, and we will ensure our joint efforts will benefit the people,” Jagdeep said during his speech.
On a separate matter, Reezal Merican said his ministry is currently planning for urban regeneration guidelines, which will be used nationwide.
During his speech, he also commended MBSP for their initiatives to complement the stricter movement imposed by the Federal Government nationwide.
“Local councils from other states should replicate their (MBSP) initiatives, which have proven to be useful during this Covid-19 era,” he added.
Also present during the press conference were MBSP mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix courtesy of MBSP