Penang’s affordable housing scheme has been rebranded as Rumah Mutiaraku (RMKu) with enhanced guidelines aimed at fostering a stronger sense of homeownership. The announcement, made by State Housing and Environment Exco Dato’ Seri S. Sundarajoo, aligns with the slogan “Rumahku Syurgaku, Rumah Mutiaraku”.

Among the key improvements, Sundarajoo, who is also the State Assemblyman for Perai, highlighted the introduction of zoning requirements for low-cost and low-medium-cost housing developments. Previously, developers were mandated to allocate 30% of units for affordable housing (RMM Type A and B). Under the new guidelines, zoning options are provided based on project location:

• Zone 1: Major urban areas, including George Town.
• Zone 2: New townships such as Northeast and Southwest Districts, Batu Kawan, Butterworth, Bukit Mertajam, Kepala Batas, Sungai Bakap, and Nibong Tebal.
• Zone 3: Rural areas like Balik Pulau.

Additionally, contributions for developers opting not to build physical units are set at RM120,000 per unit for local developers and RM150,000 per unit for external developers, covering RMM A (up to RM42,000) and RMM B1/B2 (up to RM72,500 and RM100,000 respectively). Open market contributions are capped at RM20,000 per unit.

Addressing rental arrears in public housing

The Penang State Housing Board (LPNPP) faces significant challenges with RM17.7 million in outstanding rental arrears from Public Housing (PPR) and People’s Housing Projects (PPA). According to Sundarajoo, the arrears, involving 7,854 tenants dating back to the 1970s, have strained state finances and hindered maintenance efforts.

Investigations revealed instances of long-term tenants who now own multiple vehicles or earn over RM3,000 monthly, raising questions about eligibility. To address this, the state will review existing tenants’ qualifications and take firm action to reclaim units from those failing to pay rent for over three months. Notices will be issued to recover units, ensuring housing availability for those genuinely in need.

LPNPP Chief Enforcement Officer Nadzifah Abd. Rahim added that irrecoverable debts, such as those from deceased tenants or cases dating back to the 1970s, would be written off. Current rental rates for PPR range from RM70 to RM200 per month, depending on the terms.

The state’s commitment is not to burden residents but to ensure fair access to housing resources, Sundarajoo emphasized. The announcement was attended by local government officials, including Jason Hng’ Mooi Lye, Datuk Ir. A. Rajendran, and LPNPP’s Chief Business Officer, Fakhurrazi Ibnu Omar.