State Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo today said that two foreign workers’ dormitories, which are now operating in the state, houses 6,221 foreign workers.

One is in Mukim 14, South Seberang Perai by Westlite Dormitory (Bukit Minyak) Sdn Bhd and the other in Jalan Permatang Damar Laut, Batu Maung.

“The foreign workers, as we are aware, play an important role in stimulating the economy. Hence, it is crucial that they are given a proper shelter to stay.

“The need for foreign workers’ dormitories is mandatory in order to vacate those living in the housing schemes.

“To see the 6,221 foreign workers filled in the two dormitories, with 3,321 in Bukit Minyak and 2,900 in Batu Maung, is definitely a good sign as it is very important to ensure these foreign workers stay under one roof.

“This is to ensure that we avoid unforeseen circumstances due to the Covid-19 pandemic that is still actively present in the society,” Jagdeep (PH – Datok Keramat) said during his speech at the state Engagement Session between the state executive councillors and the assemblymen at St Giles The Wembley Hotel today.

Besides the two dormitories which are already operating, Jagdeep said five other projects are currently in various stages of being built while another one is pending approval from the Penang State Planning Committee (Technical).

“The one pending approval is believed to be the largest foreign workers’ dormitory project in Penang (Teluk Kumbar) or even in Malaysia, which is expected to have some 30,000 beds,” he added.

Source: Buletin Mutiara