AFTER seven decades of uncertainty, residents of Kampung Manis in Perai are finally moving a step closer to securing better homes, with 174 residents agreeing to vacate their existing premises in exchange for relocation to new homes under the Penang government’s Rumah MutiaraKu (RMKu) housing programme.
The residents have received consent documents from the Railway Asset Corporation (RAC) and the Penang Housing Board (LPNPP), signifying their agreement to the terms and conditions of the proposed relocation scheme as part of the Kampung Manis redevelopment project.
The agreement marks a significant milestone in efforts to coordinate the relocation process in a planned and orderly manner, paving the way for the long-awaited redevelopment of Kampung Manis.
The initiative is the result of strategic cooperation between the Penang government, through LPNPP, and RAC to resolve a longstanding housing issue that has affected the community for approximately 70 years.
The proposed RMKu development will be undertaken on RAC-owned land covering parts of Lots 286, 65 and 67 in Bandar Perai, Central Seberang Perai district, spanning a total of 3.970 acres.
The consent documents were presented at a special ceremony held at the Chai Leng Park multipurpose hall in Perai today.
Also present were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) councillor Rachel Teh Chuann Yien, RAC chief executive officer Datuk Azhar Ahmad, LPNPP general manager Khairulnizam Hashim, Central Seberang Perai district officer Datuk Kamarul Haizal Koderat, Kerjaya Prospek Group Bhd executive director Datuk Tee Eng Ho and Aspen Group managing director Anilrasu Amaranazan.
In his speech, Sundarajoo described the occasion as a historic moment for Kampung Manis residents, who had waited 70 years for a resolution to their housing situation.
He said the initiative would provide affected families with new homes free of charge, with the replacement units offering more space than the typical replacement housing provided under similar schemes.
“Finally, we have reached a solution for the 174 families who are still living on this land, with RAC offering one house to each family free of charge.
“And these are not ordinary homes. Usually, replacement homes provided under such schemes are low-cost units measuring 650 sq ft.
“But for Kampung Manis, the replacement units will measure 850 sq ft,” he said.
Sundarajoo said he was delighted that the long-standing issue was finally being resolved, adding that the housing arrangement would provide residents with a valuable opportunity to improve their living conditions.
For Kampung Manis property owners who have historical ties to the settlement but are not permanent residents, the state government would offer similar units at RM150,000 under a rent-to-own scheme.
Sundarajoo said the appointed developer was expected to begin construction towards the end of this year or early next year, subject to the necessary approvals for the development plans.
He added that a groundbreaking ceremony would be held once preparations were completed, with Chow expected to officiate the event. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim might also be invited.
In another welcome development, Sundarajoo said residents required to temporarily vacate the site during construction would receive RM700 in monthly rental assistance from the developer until their new homes were completed.
He said the redevelopment project was expected to take approximately 24 months from the date the development plans were approved.
“We have agreed with the developer that the buildings must be completed within 24 months from the approval of the plans.
“To ensure construction proceeds smoothly and to prevent accidents or other untoward incidents, we are asking residents living at the site to relocate temporarily. They will receive RM700 a month to rent accommodation elsewhere until the project is completed,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chow expressed his appreciation to all parties involved in turning the Kampung Manis redevelopment project into reality, describing the latest development as an important step forward following years of negotiations and planning.
He noted that the parties had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on Nov 11, 2024, before spending nearly two years resolving outstanding issues and securing a developer to undertake the project.
“Since Nov 11, 2024, when we witnessed the signing of the MoU and MoA, we have waited almost two years to resolve all the outstanding issues.
“Now, we have secured a developer to implement the project, and all the details concerning the agreement, the letters of offer for the rent-to-own scheme, and the RM700 monthly rental assistance during construction have been communicated to the Kampung Manis residents,” he said.
Chow expressed hope that the developer would expedite the submission and approval of the necessary plans by MBSP so that construction could begin within the coming months.
He also commended Sundarajoo for taking the responsibility seriously and working persistently over the past two years to identify strategic partners and ensure the project moved forward.
“YB Sundarajoo has worked tirelessly over the past two years to find strategic partners to make this project a success, and he has finally succeeded.
“I would also like to thank all the departments involved for facilitating the process, as well as RAC and Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.
“Without a developer, the project would not have been able to proceed,” he said.
The Kampung Manis redevelopment project, a mixed-use development named Rivanis, will be implemented in two phases.
Phase One will comprise 338 residential units, complemented by facilities including a swimming pool and car park.
Under the relocation arrangement, 174 households will each receive an 850 sq ft replacement unit valued at approximately RM400,000 at no cost, in exchange for their existing homes.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat