Following the success of the Kampung Manis redevelopment project, Penang has unveiled plans for another transformative initiative—the Ujong Batu redevelopment project.

State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu announced that 268 eligible residents of Kampung Ujong Batu would receive free 750 sq ft units, valued up to RM100,000, in exchange for their current homes. The redevelopment will be carried out in two phases.

Phase 1 will include the construction of 300 replacement units, 500 affordable homes (type B2), commercial spaces, community facilities, and car parks. Phase 2 will focus on mixed development, offering affordable homes (type C3), more commercial spaces, community facilities, and additional car parks.

At an engagement session held at Dewan Datuk Haji Ahmad Badawi in Butterworth, Sundarajoo emphasized the project’s strategic location in Perai town, near key roads such as Jalan Bagan Dalam and the Butterworth Outer Ring Road (BORR). He also symbolically presented Letters of Intent (LoIs) to 30 residents.

This redevelopment addresses the long-standing issue of squatters in the area. A recent census conducted by the Penang State Housing Board identified 268 eligible structures on the 15.23-acre site.

Sundarajoo expressed confidence that the project would improve living conditions and create economic opportunities. “This redevelopment will provide organized and efficient housing, generate income through commercial spaces, and improve traffic flow. The state government remains committed to enhancing residents’ welfare and quality of life, especially for the B40 and M40 groups,” he said.

Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, Bagan Dalam assemblyman K. Kumaran, and other dignitaries also attended the session.

The announcement comes on the heels of the Kampung Manis redevelopment success, where 177 households were assured free 850 sq ft units worth RM400,000 each. The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) last month marked a significant milestone in the project.

Penang’s ongoing commitment to housing redevelopment underscores its vision of providing quality homes and improving the lives of its residents.