Story by Chan Lilian
THE state is shocked and astounded by PR1MA’s application to build affordable housing costing up to RM510,000 in Kampung Sungai Pinang, Balik Pulau. The Special Planning Committee (SPC) Technical Committee received the application from PR1MA on April 15 to build 29 blocks of residential housing on a piece of land measuring 207.57 acres in Perkampungan Kuala Sungai Pinang in Balik Pulau.
State Housing and Town and Country Planning exco Jagdeep Singh, who held a press conference at the Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Pulau Pinang on April 16, said: “I was shocked to find out that the price ranges from RM190,000 to RM510,000. PR1MA wants to build 9,904 units. The price of RM510,000 is something that is unprecedented. Remember that the Prime Minister had set the ceiling price at RM400,000 in 2012. We have been fighting for the ceiling price to go down to RM300,000.” ”Why is our Federal Government acting this way? This is unacceptable.
I am sure even the UMNO YBs do not agree. If you ask me, this is an utter waste of time as PR1MA does not even take into account the guideline set by the state that the green lungs in Balik Pulau only allow up to 16 storeys. This is 27 storey!,” Jagdeep said. ”PR1MA must understand we have height and price controls, and therefore, I want PR1MA to review their application,” Jagdeep added. There will be 3,168 units of housing costing RM467,000 to RM510,000 with another 6,736 units costing RM190,000 to RM390,000.
Out of the 29 blocks, four are 23 storeys while 25 blocks are 27 storeys.
On April 19, Pulau Betong assemblymember Muhamad Farid Saad issued a press statement and questioned PR1MA if there is a necessity to build such high-rise buildings.
“Building affordable homes for the rakyat is a noble intention. However, the reckless action to propose high density residential area with such high prices is something that I find difficult to accept,” Farid said in a statement.