Federal Govt needs to help build more affordable homes in Penang, says Jagdeep

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STATE Local Government, Housing, Town and Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo has urged the Federal Government to assist the state in providing more affordable homes for the people.

 

Jagdeep (PH-Datok Keramat) said so far, the Federal Government, via the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and the relevant agencies, has only built 5,897 units (12%) of affordable homes in Penang.

 

“Providing affordable homes to the people is a joint responsibility which should be undertaken by the Federal Government as well.

 

“Penang, which is among the highest tax contributors in the country, should be considered by the Federal Government.

 

“With regard to this, land bank owned by the Federal Government should be utilised to further propel the agenda of providing affordable homes in Penang as it is facing land scarcity,” said Jagdeep when replying to an oral question by Jason H’ng Mooi Lye (PH-Jawi).

 

According to Jagdeep, since 2018, the state government has provided a total of 136,333 units of affordable homes.

 

“As of May this year, a total of 45,903 units of affordable homes in categories A, B and C had been built.

 

“Meanwhile, a total of 18,354 units are at various stages of construction. And 72,076 units are at the planning phase,” he said.

 

Jagdeep also said during the administration of the Pakatan Harapan government, two PRIMA Malaysia Corporation (PRIMA) projects were approved, namely Ideal Residence and Ideal Venice in Gelugor (Kampung Kastam).

 

“On the mainland, the PRIMA Pauh Permai Residency project has been completed on Sept 14 2021 with a total of 1,017 units already being offered to the public.

 

“Apart from that, the construction work of the civil servant housing project, Konifer PPAM at the north Seberang Perai, has also started.

 

“However, the progress concerning the construction work is still slow. The project is being monitored by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government,” he added.

 

Jagdeep also affirmed that the Penang government would continue with its Home Ownership Campaign programme.

 

“Through this campaign, we want to ensure the provision of affordable homes to our people.

 

“We also give incentives to the developers, especially those who build the affordable homes,” he said.

 

Story by Tanushalini Moroter