GEORGE TOWN, June 24 – The Local Government Development Ministry (KPKT) has announced an allocation of RM211.4 million to Penang through the ‘KPKT Touch of Love Program’ for the construction of public housing projects (PPR), maintenance projects, and project upgrades under the City Council. Minister Nga Kor Ming stated that under the Madani Government administration, no state will be left behind, and KPKT will always strive to safeguard the welfare of all citizens.
This allocation represents the largest ever given to Penang and will encompass 41 projects on the island and in Seberang Perai. “The Madani Malaysian Government is committed to fairness, wisdom, and justice for all because we love all citizens regardless of race and religion. At the same time, I will ensure that all announced allocations are effectively implemented,” Nga Kor Ming told reporters during the Sentuhan program held by KPKT on Friday.
Earlier in the day, Kor Ming, accompanied by the state’s Housing, Local Government, Town, and Country Planning Committee Chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo, visited PPR Kota Giam and Astaka Taman Tun Sardon in the Northeast district. Kor Ming revealed that out of the total allocation, RM200 million will be channeled to the Penang government for the construction of PPR, while RM9.62 million will be allocated for maintenance under the Housing Maintenance Program (PPP) fund and the Malaysian Housing Maintenance Fund (TPPM).
“Previously, Penang only received four PPR projects with a total of only 999 units, but now we are allocating a total of RM200 million to build an additional 1,000 units on the island and Seberang Perai, for the well-being of the people of this state,” he explained. He further elaborated that the construction cost of one PPR house unit is estimated to be RM250,000, but the government sells it to the people at a subsidized price of RM45,000 per unit, with a subsidy of over RM200,000 per unit.
Meanwhile, Jagdeep Singh stated that the identified locations for the construction of PPR houses are in the northeast district on the island and Seberang Perai Utara. He added that now that the allocation has been made, all project plans will be submitted to the City Council for approval before construction can commence at the designated sites. “The PPR projects will be prioritized by the City Council, and it is expected that approval will be obtained by the end of this year, with construction commencing next year,” he said.
