GEORGE TOWN, June 23 — The Ministry of Local Government Development (KPKT) today allocated RM211.4 million to Penang through the ‘KPKT Sentuhan Kasih’ programme for people’s housing projects (PPR), maintenance projects and upgrading projects under the City Council.
Minister Nga Kor Ming said that no state will be marginalised under the Malaysia MADANI Government, and KPKT would always serve to defend the fate of all Malaysians.
He said this was the largest allocation ever given to Penang, involving 41 projects on the island as well as Seberang Perai.
“This Malaysia MADANI government will be fair to all because we love all the people regardless of their race and religion. At the same time, I will ensure that all the allocations announced will be channelled effectively,” he told reporters after a working visit to the state today.
Earlier, Nga, who was accompanied by State Housing, Local Government, and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo, visited PPR Kota Giam and Astaka Taman Tun Sardon in the Northeast district.
Nga said of the total allocations announced, RM200 million would be for the construction of PPR and RM9.62 million for maintenance allocations under the Housing Maintenance Programme (PPP) fund and the Malaysian Housing Maintenance Fund (TPPM).
“Previously, Penang only got 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 in Seberang Perai, for the well-being of the people of this state,” he said.
According to Nga, the cost to construct each PPR unit is estimated to be RM250,000, but the government will only sell it to the people at RM45,000 per unit, with over RM200,000 subsidised.
Meanwhile, Jagdeep Singh said suitable locations had been identified for the construction of PPR houses in the Northeast district of the island and the Seberang Perai Utara district.
He said with the allocations made available, all project plans would be requested for approval through the City Council before construction commenced.
“The PPR projects will be given priority by the City Council and it is hoped that approval will be given by the end of this year, and construction can begin next year,” he said.
