Penang Gerakan question state govt's policy on housing density

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Gerakan has questioned the state's policy on the maximum numbers allowed for housing density per hectare as it has remained unclear for the last 10-years.
It also comes at a period where there was an acute need for affordable housing, Penang Gerakan vice-chairperson Lee Boon Ten said.
He told a press conference that the state had announced an increase in housing density particularly on the island to cope with the demand for affordable housing ... meaning there could be more skyscrapers on the island.
But the situation remained far from clear, Lee noted.
"The current situation on the maximum density number seems to be a mystery in Penang now as a different density was applied to a different housing project depending on the whims and fancies of the DAP-led administration."
He cited one project known as the City of Dreams in Bandar Tanjung Pinang at Tanjung Tokong comprises two 38-storey towers with 572 units and with a build up range from 1097sq feet to 2350sq feet.
He said through a simple calculation, the 572 homes over 1.48ha is equivalent to 155 units per hectare.
"It's already far exceeded the density and it is not selling at the perceived affordable range, Lee claimed.
Lee also demanded that state exco for housing Jagdeep Singh Deo should disclose the parties involved in giving approval to such density to the said housing project as well as asking why was such high density was approved.
He also questioned whether the local residents can benefit from many luxurious projects.
In 2016, Penang has increased the development density to 128 units per hectare up from 87 units per hectare as part of measures to cushion the unfavourable economic conditions on developers and to lower prices for residential units.
Units built under this guideline cannot be less than 900sq ft and not cost less than RM400,000.