A TOTAL of 32 projects worth about RM9mil have been undertaken through federal and state government efforts to upgrade facilities and address maintenance issues in high-rise residential buildings in Paya Terubong.
Paya Terubong assemblyman Wong Hon Wai said the projects comprised 26 projects worth RM5.64mil under the Penang Maximum 80% Maintenance Fund (TPM80PP) programme and six projects worth RM3.46mil under the TPPM programme.
He said the TPPM projects cover the 2024 to 2026 period, with the funding coming from the Federal Government.
Wong said the initiatives were aimed at ensuring that maintenance and upgrading works could be carried out more efficiently and effectively.
He said he had presented an executive council paper on the matter when he was the state executive councillor in charge of housing from 2008 to 2013.
“At that time, we received frequent complaints about damaged facilities, faulty cables and other maintenance problems.
“I believe there were quite a number of such cases, which showed the need for corrective measures,” he said.
As an example, Wong highlighted the lift upgrading project at Block 3 of Villa Kejora in Relau, Bayan Lepas, involving two lift units at a cost of RM858,350.
The project, carried out by contractor Asia Fuji Elevator Sdn Bhd, began on Sept 1, 2025 and was completed on Aug 31 this year.
The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) provided the funding, while the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) served as the implementing agency.
Wong said the two lifts were essential for residents’ daily movement but had frequently experienced breakdowns, disrupting their daily activities.
The upgrading works included improvements to the lift motor rooms, landing doors, lift pits, lift lobbies and cabin operating panels.
He said properly functioning lifts were particularly important for elderly residents, pregnant women and those with mobility difficulties.
“For residents living on higher floors, going downstairs may be manageable, but climbing back up can be extremely difficult.
“There are also cases where residents need to leave early for flights or other commitments but face difficulties because the lifts are not working,” he said.
Wong said outreach programmes were also being held at various locations to inform residents about the assistance available from the state and Federal governments.
“We should not take these programmes for granted because many members of the public are still unaware of the assistance available to them.
“Through these programmes, we want to ensure people know that the government provides various forms of assistance to help them,” he said, hoping such initiatives would help ensure residents enjoy safer and more comfortable living conditions.
Also present were MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, council secretary Cheong Chee Hong, MBPP councillor Visvenathan Tangavello and Villa Kejora apartment management treasurer Mani Velu.
Story and pix by Edmund Lee