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.

About Lucerne Residences

The final phase of residential development by Ideal Property Group at Ideal Vision Park in Bayan Lepas. It is just a short drive to Penang International Airport, 10 minutes walking distance to Straits International School. The project will see two blocks of 36-storey skyscrapers featuring a European living concept. It offers 480 residential units with a 5-storey parking podium.

Find out more about Lucerne Residences

Source: Google Street View

The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) is planning to introduce a two-hour parking limit in high-traffic areas facing severe parking shortages, particularly in George Town. MBPP Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran unveiled the proposal during the swearing-in ceremony of 24 councillors at City Hall on Friday.

“The rise in car ownership, averaging an 18.81% increase over the past five years, coupled with 2.8 million registered vehicles in Penang, has led to severe traffic congestion, especially during weekends and holidays,” Rajendran explained.

He highlighted the challenges of implementing infrastructure improvements like flyovers and underpasses due to Penang’s narrow streets and dense urban layout. “Most urban roads have already been converted into one-way streets, leaving limited options for expansion,” he added.

To address the issue, MBPP plans to implement a trial run of the two-hour parking limit by March or mid-year, starting with identified congestion hotspots. Public engagement will play a central role, with consultations involving residents, business operators, and property owners in the affected areas.

In addition to the parking initiative, MBPP will introduce bus-only lanes in targeted zones to improve public transport efficiency. Rajendran urged residents to embrace alternative transport modes, including e-hailing services and the city’s free shuttle buses, to ease traffic in congested areas.

“We aim to encourage people to leave their cars behind, particularly during peak hours. We’re committed to improving shuttle bus services, which already operate every 10 minutes between Komtar and Weld Quay,” he said.

Rajendran also revealed plans to collaborate with Rapid Penang to provide dedicated bus services to Penang Hospital, a facility currently struggling with parking shortages.

Addressing chronic traffic contributors like double parking and goods unloading, particularly in Weld Quay, MBPP intends to assign personnel to manage these areas full-time.

The mayor stressed the unfairness of some motorists occupying cheap street parking for extended hours, leaving others to pay higher rates in multi-storey car parks. “A two-hour parking limit is essential to ensure fair access and prevent gridlock. We will roll this out in stages, with further measures to follow,” he noted.

Rajendran concluded by urging the public to adhere to traffic rules, emphasizing that even a single improperly parked vehicle could exacerbate congestion in areas like Pulau Tikus, Weld Quay, and Jelutong. “The volume of traffic during holidays and the narrow roads make proactive measures essential,” he said.

The Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway project has entered its preliminary phase, with study and design works currently in progress. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that the executing agency has already begun the year-long process, though the public may not yet observe physical activities on-site.

“This phase involves detailed planning and consultation. The absence of visible construction activities, such as bulldozers, often leads to misconceptions about project progress,” Chow explained during a press briefing following the swearing-in of Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) councillors on Friday.

The project, estimated to cost RM2.7 billion, was highlighted as a priority for Penang in the 2025 Budget, with funding allocated this year. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had announced its implementation during the budget tabling, cementing its significance in addressing traffic congestion in the area.

Construction of the elevated highway is expected to begin after the study and design phase concludes, with completion targeted for 2029. The project will span the North-South Expressway and may involve PlusMalaysia Berhad.

Chow emphasised that large-scale infrastructure projects like the Juru-Sungai Dua Elevated Highway and the Perak Water Supply Project are critical for the state’s long-term development. “These initiatives take years to plan and execute but are essential for the people’s benefit,” he said.

The elevated highway is set to improve traffic flow and serve as a crucial component of Penang’s infrastructure development. As progress continues, further announcements from the Works Ministry are anticipated.

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