PENANG Local Government, Housing, Town and Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo has questioned the Federal Government over the national 2021 Budget announcement with regard to the housing sector in Penang.
“We welcomed the national 2021 Budget announcement which was made yesterday and we took note of the allocations for the housing sector.
“We understand that the Federal Government will be allocating RM1.2 billion to provide comfortable and quality homes for the lower income group.
“Of the total, RM500 million will be set aside to build up to 14,000 units of People’s Housing Projects (PPR) homes.
“Can the Federal Government tell us how many units of PPR will be built in Penang and where will the PPR projects be?
It was reported that the Penang government has identified five proposed sites that were suitable for the building of PPR.
They are at Jelutong (northeast district), Jalan Mayang Pasir (southwest district), Ujung Batu (north Seberang Perai), Kampung Tongkang (central Seberang Perai) and Batu Kawan (south Seberang Perai) – totalling 72.3 acres.
“Penang should be given priority because we are ready. The process has been completed.
“We have identified the plots of land and the ministry had gone to the ground to check out at least two proposed sites on the island. Do not waste time,” he stressed.
Jagdeep also spoke about the RM125 million allocation for the maintenance of low-cost and low medium-cost stratified homes.
“The Penang government, on our own, has spent about RM260 million on maintenance of public housing.
“We thanked the Federal Government for allocating about RM32 million to maintain public housing in Penang this year.
“As we have received some RM32 million from the Federal Government this year, we expect that the Federal Government will allocate nothing less than RM32 million next year.
“We are confident that the Federal Government will consider it because we are working very closely with the Federal Government.
“Whatever information it requires, we are always ready and willing to assist.
“The channelling of funds to the states must be consistent,” he said.
Jagdeep also questioned the Federal Government about the Rent-to-Own (RTO) scheme for first time home buyers, which would involve 5,000 units of PR1MA homes.
“Where are the PR1MA projects in Penang and how many units in Penang are for the RTO scheme?” Jagdeep asked.
“Although the Penang is the second smallest state in Malaysia, it contributes the second highest tax revenue to the country, at about RM7 billion a year.
“The amount has to be channelled back to the people of Penang.
“We pay taxes so that public facilities can be provided by the Government; and that include the supply of public housing.
“The Federal Government bears the responsibility to provide for Penang.
“The supply of affordable housing is of utmost importance,” he said.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud