Penang state govt requests clarification over PR1MA projects

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang state government wants the federal government to specify the locations of the proposed 1Malaysia People's Housing (PR1MA) projects that were approved in the state.
State housing, town and country planning committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo claimed that there were some contradictions, as the data from local authorities was vastly different from the public announcement.
The official records show that only two projects, at Kampung Kastam, Bukit Gelugor (1,823 units) and Batu Feringgi (1,248 units), have been approved by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).
"However, there was zero approval by Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) for PR1MA projects on the mainland," he told a press conference at Komtar today.
It was reported that Penang Federal Action Council chairman Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Osman had announced that there were 15,397 units of PR1MA projects jointly approved by MBPP and MPSP.
The report listed Bukit Gelugor (905 units), Batu Feringgi (1,248 units), Sungai Pinang (6,796 units), Teluk Kumbar (3,944 units), Permatang Pauh (1,017 units), and Tasek Gelugor (2,387) as areas where projects had been approved.

Jagdeep said he needs a clarification on the matter and did not intend to blame anyone.
In fact, he said, he would be happy if there was approval for PR1MA projects in the state.
"We need clarification; we are puzzled why the numbers do not tally," he said.
Jagdeed stressed that PR1MA should proceed in Penang now because there has been too long a delay.
He said Penang is the only state where there was not even one single unit of PR1MA built since the introduction of the public affordable housing scheme in 2012.
Updating on the status of affordable housing in Penang, Jagdeep said the state government has now planned 17 projects in all five districts in the state.
The target is to build 27,230 units in various categories of affordable housing.
Out of the 17 projects, five have already begun and are in various stages of development, with the first one in Batu Kawan nearing 100% completion.
Other projects such as in Kampung Jawa in North Seberang Prai, Teluk Kumbar and SP Chelliah in Penang are at the stages of 85%, 58% and 45% completion, respectively.
He said the most recent one in the Sandlilands Foreshores project has also started.