THE Penang government remains steadfast in ensuring a sufficient supply of Rumah MutiaraKu (RMKu) homes across the state, in line with its ‘housing for all’ agenda to meet the needs of the people.
State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu said the initiative is being implemented through three key targets aligned with the Penang2030 vision to enhance liveability and improve the quality of life for all Penangites.
“The first target, to deliver 220,000 RMKu units by 2030, has achieved 77.3% progress to date, with 170,175 units completed.
“The second target focuses on supplying 22,000 Rent-to-Own (RTO) homes, of which 5,096 units (23.16%) have been completed.
“The third initiative aims to benefit 3,000 families through the rollout of the urban housing scheme; with six Urban Renewal (PSB) projects identified so far, involving 6,837 existing residential units under the Urban Redevelopment Initiative,” Sundarajoo said in his speech when officiating the Penang Affordable Housing and Property Expo at Mydin Mall in Bukit Mertajam yesterday (Nov 1).
Also present were Penang Housing Board (LPNPP) chief legal and enforcement officer Nadzifah Abd Rahim and Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (Rehda) Penang chairman Datuk Khoo Teck Chong.
Sundarajoo said the state government is also aware of the challenges faced by the vulnerable and lower-income groups in securing housing loans from financial institutions.
“To address this, the RTO scheme was introduced as a practical, progressive and inclusive solution, enabling more households to eventually own their homes without bearing overwhelming financial burdens.
“The Housing Outcome Performance Committee (HOPE), which I chair, convenes monthly to review active applications to ensure that only genuinely eligible applicants are offered RMKu homes according to established guidelines.
“During my 27 months overseeing the Housing and Environment portfolio, a total of 11,058 applicants have been offered residential units including 1,762 units of RMKu A, 797 units of RMKu B, 110 units of RMKu C1, 421 units of RMKu C2, and 7,968 units of RMKu C3,” he added.
Speaking about the expo, Sundarajoo said it is a two-day event (Nov 1–2) organised by LPNPP to provide the public with access to RMKu project information as well as both government-led and private-sector property offerings.
“A total of 29 exhibitors are participating comprising 13 RMKu developers, eight private property developers, five financial institutions and three government agencies,” Sundarajoo said.
During the same ceremony, 30 recipients received offer letters for RMKu units under several projects including Iconic Harmoni, Twinstar @ Lintang Slim, Residensi Rambai Indah, Foreshore Residence and Ideal Venice.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix courtesy of LPNPP