Penang's Bold Step: New Affordable Housing Categories to Benefit Young Graduates

In a recent update, Datuk Seri S.Sundarajoo, Chairman of Penang's State Housing and Environment Committee, announced a major expansion to the state's existing affordable housing plans. The highlight of the announcement is the introduction of a new housing category aimed at young professionals with household incomes of around RM5,000 per month. Priced at RM100,000 per unit, these homes are pending governmental approval and could be available for registration as early as November.

-(Pic Source Kwongwah)

Currently, Penang offers five categories of affordable housing, known as Rumah Mampu Milik (RMM), with prices set according to household income levels. The state has a goal of adding up to 100,000 new units priced between RM100,000 and RM150,000, specifically targeting the B40 income group. This is part of a broader aim to provide affordable housing units with a total of 220,000 units , a figure that will be reviewed based on supply and demand factors as progress.

As of now, the state has 152,263 affordable housing units at various different stages of completion. The Housing Outcome Performance Committee (Hope) has recently approved 915 applicants across 27 housing schemes throughout Penang. Despite this,  Datuk Seri S.Sundarajoo emphasized the need for applicants to keep their information updated, as only 7,686 have done so thus far and more need to be done to address this issue.

In an effort to assist the public, the committee will also be hosting informational roadshows and has also set up kiosks at Komtar for individuals who need help updating their information. Meanwhile, a new housing project under the Projek Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) program is in the pipeline for Kota Giam in Jelutong. This project will feature a mix of studio units and three-bedroom apartments, catering to singles and young families, with a budget allocation of RM100 million.

Sundarajoo revealed that close collaborations are underway between state and federal governments to innovate new housing schemes, particularly for young newlyweds and singles, underlining the state's enduring commitment to making home ownership more accessible across various income groups.

This plan represents a significant step in Penang's journey to ensure that affordable, quality housing is within reach for its residents, especially the younger generation entering the workforce.

 

References:

• Malaymail News
• New Straits Times
• Lembaga Perumahan Negeri Pulau Pinang