THE Penang government is prepared to assist residents living in squatter settlements on privately owned land to secure home ownership, provided they cooperate throughout the process of finding a suitable solution.
Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu said there were still several squatter settlements in the state involving residents occupying privately owned land.
“Although the issue involves both the residents and landowners, the state government is ready to assist residents in finding the best possible solution to help them own homes, provided they cooperate throughout the process,” he told a press conference at Komtar today.
The press conference also saw the presentation of offer letters and a ballot session for the allocation of Rumah MutiaraKu (RMKu) Type A units, priced at RM42,000, under the Rent-to-Own (RTO) scheme at the Pektra Indah Flats project in Simpang Ampat.
Also present were Penang Housing Board (LPNPP) general manager Khairulnizam Hashim and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Nurhidayah Che Ros.
Sundarajoo said the state government continued to prioritise its housing agenda to ensure that Penangites, particularly those from the B40 and M40 income groups, had access to quality and affordable homes.
“We understand that owning a home today is not easy, given the rising cost of living, property prices and other financial commitments faced by the people, particularly young people and families who are just starting out.
“The state government’s housing agenda is not merely about providing housing units, but also ensuring that every family has the opportunity to enjoy a more stable and comfortable life,” he said.
He said the RTO scheme was among the key approaches adopted by the state government to help those who were not yet financially prepared to purchase a home through conventional means.
“The state government does not want Penangites to have only the option of renting without a clear pathway towards home ownership.
“Instead, we want to provide a clear route from renting to owning a home.
“This is one of the key approaches being prioritised by the state government to ensure that the RTO scheme not only provides a place to live, but also opens up opportunities for people to eventually own their homes,” he said.
Sundarajoo also hoped that all recipients who received their offer letters today would value the opportunity given to them and fully understand the terms and conditions of the RTO scheme, including their responsibilities for monthly payments and property maintenance.
Under the scheme, recipients are required to pay RM240 per month for 14 years, followed by RM140 per month for another year, before becoming eligible to fully own the housing unit.
At the same event, Sundarajoo said Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek, who is also the Nibong Tebal MP, had also helped cover the electricity and water supply deposits for the recipients involved.
Earlier, 14 residents who previously lived in the Kampung Makam Suah area in Sungai Bakap attended the event to receive their offer letters and participate in the ballot session to select housing units across three blocks of the Pektra Indah Flats.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis