Penang has introduced a new affordable housing project in Permatang Tinggi, featuring a ‘co-house’ concept aimed at providing more accessible landed homeownership options for its residents.

The initiative, under the C3 Affordable Housing (RMM) category, marks the state’s first townhouse-style development by the Penang Housing Board (LPNPP). The hybrid design allows two families to share a single plot, with one occupying the ground floor and the other the upper floor.

“This project fulfills the dream of many Penangites to own a landed home at an affordable price,” said Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo, State Housing and Environment Committee chairman, during the groundbreaking ceremony yesterday

The event was officiated by Penang Governor, Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, and attended by Seberang Perai Mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid and LPNPP Chief Business Officer Fakhurrazi Ibnu Omar.

The project spans a 10-hectare plot in Mukim 14, Permatang Tinggi, and includes 664 units priced at a maximum of RM250,000 each. Construction will utilize the Industrialised Building System (IBS) to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Completion is expected by 2028.

Permatang Tinggi was strategically chosen for this initiative due to its distance from large-scale developments and a low demand for flats in the area. Sundarajoo noted that as the locality matures, the state might introduce flats to meet future housing needs.

In a related development, Sundarajoo announced the rebranding of the RMM category as Rumah MutiaraKu, aligning with Penang’s identity as the ‘Pearl of the Orient.’ The rebranding seeks to foster pride among homeowners and eliminate negative perceptions surrounding affordable housing.

The official launch of Rumah MutiaraKu is slated for later this month, with the exact date yet to be confirmed.