RESIDENTS of Block 352 at Gat Lebuh Macallum are set to benefit from improved water infrastructure following the commencement of a RM164,500 rooftop water tank upgrading and repair project funded under the Federal Government’s Inisiatif Kemudahan Rakyat (IKR).
The project, implemented by Penang Development Corporation (PDC), was announced during a press conference held by Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng at Gat Lebuh Macallum today.
The upgrading works, which began on May 18, are expected to be completed by Aug 17 this year.
Speaking at the press conference, Wong said the initiative reflects ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and living conditions across Pengkalan Kota, particularly in ageing residential areas such as Macallum Flats, which are estimated to be between 40 and 50 years old.
“This is part of our continuous commitment to upgrade public infrastructure and community facilities for the people,” he said.
He added that the management corporation (MC) had taken the initiative to apply for the IKR allocation with support from PDC, describing it as a good example for other strata and residential management bodies to proactively seek assistance for upgrading works.
Wong noted that infrastructure improvements have been actively carried out throughout Pengkalan Kota and Macallum over the past few years.
Among the projects highlighted were the installation of spotlights and all-terrain upgrades at Taman Kejiranan Macallum to support recreational activities such as jogging and exercise at night.
He also said more than 50 per cent of roads in Pengkalan Kota had been resurfaced, while drainage and walkway upgrading works in Macallum were nearing completion.
“The walkways now come with proper drainage systems underneath, which will improve both accessibility and flood mitigation,” he said.
Wong added that refurbishment works had also been carried out at most of the clan jetties, with only minor repairs remaining at certain locations.
On housing infrastructure, he revealed that more than RM4 million had been secured over the past three years to upgrade 21 high-rise residential blocks in Pengkalan Kota.
The upgrades included roofing repairs, water tank replacements, lift modernisation, and electrical rewiring works aimed at enhancing safety and residents’ comfort.
“These infrastructure projects are meant to benefit everyone, from the B40 to M40 and T20 groups.
“We want Macallum and Pengkalan Kota to become more competitive, sustainable, and liveable areas, especially with the future LRT development coming into the area,” he said.
Meanwhile, PDC Technical Division engineer Mohd Faizul Mohd Radzi said the project was awarded through an open tender process under the Ministry of Economy’s IKR initiative.
He explained that the works involve replacing the old HDPE lining inside the rooftop water tank, changing damaged tank panels, and upgrading the piping system by replacing old galvanised iron (GI) pipes with polyethene pipes.
“The switches, valves, and related piping systems will also be replaced as part of the upgrading process,” he said.
Mohd Faizul added that some temporary inconvenience may occur during the project period, particularly involving the temporary closure of several parking spaces to facilitate crane operations and lifting works.
“We hope residents can cooperate with the contractors to ensure the project can be carried out smoothly and completed on schedule,” he said.
He also disclosed that another application is currently being processed for apron and drainage repair works at the U-shaped area near the hawker centre within the vicinity.
“A site visit has already been conducted, and the cost estimation will be submitted to the ministry soon,” he added.
Block 352 MC treasurer Cheah Cheng Hua said the flats, which are over four decades old, require extensive upgrading works that would need to be implemented in phases due to funding limitations.
He said the management corporation had approached Wong previously for assistance and was advised to apply for the grant allocation.
“The application was submitted at the end of 2024, and we successfully obtained approval last year. We are thankful to YB Wong for helping us throughout the process,” he said.
Cheah said previous applications had already enabled wiring upgrading works to be completed at three blocks, adding that the MC would continue applying for further allocations to carry out remaining repairs and improvements.
“We also hope residents will continue giving their cooperation because these upgrading works are important for everyone’s safety and comfort,” he said.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siew Chia En