PENANG STEPS UP EFFORTS TO ENSURE ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF RUMAH MUTIARAKU HOMES

BUKIT MERTAJAM, Nov 1 (Bernama) -- Penang continues to bolster efforts to ensure a sufficient supply of Rumah MutiaraKu (RMKu) homes across the state to meet public needs, in line with the ‘Housing for All’ agenda.

State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo said the initiative is being implemented through three key targets outlined under the state’s Strategic Initiative A1, in line with Penang 2030 Vision to enhance liveability and improve the people’s quality of life.

The first target, to supply 220,000 RMKu units by 2030, has achieved 77.3 per cent progress, with 170,175 units completed, while the second target involves supplying 22,000 Rent-to-Own (RTO) homes, of which 5,096 units (23.16 per cent) have been completed.

“The third initiative aims to benefit 3,000 families through the implementation of the urban housing scheme; and six Urban Renewal (PSB) projects have been identified, involving 6,837 existing residential units under the Urban Redevelopment Initiative.

“We hope these initiatives will help the state government achieve its goal of providing housing for all, regardless of background, ensuring that no family is left behind in securing a comfortable, safe, and affordable home,” he said while officiating the Penang Affordable Housing and Property Expo here today.

Elaborating, Sundarajoo said the state government is aware of the challenges faced by vulnerable groups in obtaining housing loans from financial institutions.

To address this issue, he said the RTO scheme was introduced as a practical and inclusive solution, enabling them to own their dream homes without bearing excessive financial burdens.

In addition, he said the Housing Outcome Performance Committee (HOPE), which he chairs, convenes once a month to review and assess active applications to ensure that only genuinely eligible applicants are offered RMKu homes according to established conditions and guidelines.

Sundarajoo also reported that during his 27 months overseeing the Housing and Environment portfolio, a total of 11,058 applicants were offered residential units, including 1,762 units of RMKu A, 797 units of RMKu B, 110 units of RMKu C1, 421 units of RMKu C2, and 7,968 units of RMKu C3.

Meanwhile, he said the expo, organised by the Penang Housing Board, provides a platform for the public to access information on various RMKu projects and other government and private property developments.

A total of 29 exhibitors participated in the expo, including 13 RMKu developers, eight property developers, five banking institutions, and three government agencies.

Earlier, 30 recipients were presented with offer letters for RMKu units for Iconic Harmoni, Twinstar@Lintang Slim, Residensi Rambai Indah, Foreshore Residence, and Ideal Venice projects.

-- BERNAMA