After a three year delay, Penang’s first 1Malaysia Peoples’ Home (PR1MA) project will begin construction by the end of this year.

State Local Government, Housing and Urban and Rural Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the project had been given the green light by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) prior to the 14th General Election.

He said the developer had minor issues to be sorted out before the commencement of construction works.

“For Penang, we have received three applications that have been approved, two at Kampung Kastam and another at Batu Ferringhi.

“After discussions with the Housing and Local Government Minister, Zuraida Kamaruddin, she has agreed to allow us to monitor and supervise the project’s progress instead of the federal agency,” he said during the site visit at Kampung Kastam, Jalan Bukit Gambir here today.

Two blocks comprising 38 storeys and 31 storeys, and 1,162 units, will be constructed on a 3.27 hectare land.

The 38-storey block is for the affordable housing category, with a 850 sq ft per unit to be sold at RM300,000 while the 31-storey block is for the low-medium cost housing category, with a 650 sq ft per unit to be sold at RM72,500.

A total of 905 units have been set aside for the affordable housing category while the remaining 257 units are for the low-medium cost housing category.

There will also be a common hall, prayer hall for Muslims and a gymnasium.

The project will be implemented by Ideal Property Development Sdn Bhd.

“Approximately three years after works began, over 1,000 families can finally own a house, a roof above their heads,” Jagdeep said.

Jagdeep added that the planned 5.7km paired road from Air Itam to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, under the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) project, would cater to the anticipated increase in traffic volume once the housing project was completed.

He also noted that the PR1MA branding would be renamed by the federal government.

Also present were MBPP Planning Development acting director Zuraini Mat Rasit and Ideal Property Development executive chairman Tan Sri Alex Ooi.

Source: NST