The Penang Housing Board has again urged applicants to update their data in the state Housing Information System (HIS).

Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu said that as of April 3 this year, there were 42,160 applications for affordable homes Category A, B, and C registered in the HIS.

“However, despite calls urging applicants to update their data in the system, only 8,135 applicants, constituting 19.30% of the total, have complied with this update as of April 3 this year.

“The Penang Housing Board encourages the applicants to update their data to streamline the selection process.

“Maintaining updated information in the HIS is pivotal for active application status and eligibility. We encourage applicants to update their data in the system, particularly their marital status and monthly income once every three years,” he told a media conference at his office in Komtar this evening.

Sundarajoo and the Housing Outcome Performance Committee (HOPE), under the Penang Housing Board, had their sixth meeting today (April 4). The committee held its first meeting on Sept 14 last year (2023).

HOPE was set up to streamline the process of offering affordable housing units to eligible applicants, and to ensure the execution of housing policies at the state level are aligned with the Madani initiatives, the Penang2030 vision and the Penang unity government manifesto.

Selection process by HOPE

Sundarajoo said a total of 2,722 applications (for Category A, B and C) had been approved throughout the six HOPE meetings. There were 802 Category A applications, 571 (Category B), and 1,349 (Category C).

“HOPE will meet monthly to offer affordable housing units to eligible applicants,” he added.

On a separate note, Sundarajoo said that, as of April 3 this year, the Penang government has approved a total of 47 projects (for maintenance works) under the Penang Maximum 80% Housing Maintenance Fund (TPM80PP), with a combined allocation of RM9,206,448.50, allocated to 47 eligible stratified housing schemes.

“The Penang Housing Board has taken a proactive step by digitising the applications for TPM80PP starting from April 1, this year, aiming to streamline the application process for applicants.

“Now, applicants can conveniently apply for TPM80PP online through the official portal of the Board. As of April 3, there are 93 pending applications for TPM80PP, totalling an estimated RM35 million, which will be processed in order of submission,” he said.

Sundarajoo also highlighted that under the TPM80PP initiative, the state government has allocated a total of RM78.8 million from 2013 to April 3 this year.

“The amount covered 845 projects. The most significant scope of work includes the upgrading or replacement of elevators, with 450 projects, followed by the replacement or repair of water tanks, amounting to 290 projects.

“Others include upgrading or replacement of roofs, painting, road paving, as well as various maintenance works,” he added.

Sundarajoo also announced that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), has approved an allocation of RM3,780,000 for 12 Housing Maintenance Programme (PPP) public housing projects under the supervision of the Penang Housing Board; and RM1,201,800 for three public housing projects under the supervision of the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP).

“Furthermore, the Federal Government has approved the Malaysian Housing Maintenance Fund (TPPM), amounting to RM6,520,000 for 15 projects overseen by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP); and RM9,674,000 for 21 projects under the purview of the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), specifically designated for maintenance endeavours of eligible private housing schemes.

“Overall, the Federal Government has approved a total of RM21,175,800 for 51 projects that will benefit residents in both public and private housing.

Source: Buletin Mutiara