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The Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) has launched a legalisation programme for unauthorized home extensions, offering significant rebates of up to 70%. This initiative, aimed at improving compliance and property value, will start in February.

MBSP mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid stated that Phase One of the programme focuses on housing areas up to five years old across north, central, and south Seberang Perai districts. Applications will be processed without any fees, and homeowners are not required to hire consultants or architects.

“This programme not only simplifies the approval process but also enhances property market value for participants,” Baderul said during a council meeting in Bukit Mertajam.

Interested homeowners can contact MBSP at 04-5497865, extension 386, for more information.

In another update, MBSP has revised its garbage collection schedule to three times a week. This change, which started on January 20, ensures cleaner neighbourhoods ahead of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Wet markets, apartments, condominiums, and stratified housing areas will benefit from this improved service.

“The increased frequency of garbage collection will greatly improve cleanliness in Seberang Perai,” Baderul added.

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Get ready for an unforgettable PICC Chinese New Year Celebration
Date: 8 & 9 February 2025
Time: 4pm to 9pm
Location: Penang International Commercial City (PICC) Sales Gallery, Bayan Lepas

Event Highlights:

• Giant Peach Photo Spot
• Peach Fairy Joy Tumbler
• Diabolo Performance
• Stilts-Walking
• 8 Auspicious Lion & Dragon Dance
• Fun Game Stalls
• Kids’ Workshop
• Lucky Draw
• Food Stalls and more!

*Program subject to change without notice

For more details or to register for the lucky draw, please click: https://www.facebook.com/events/612740011714579

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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.

This Chinese New Year, gather your friends and family for a vibrant celebration at the Iconic Harmony Sales Gallery! Enjoy an array of lively cultural performances, participate in engaging workshops, and stand a chance to win amazing prizes. Don’t miss this opportunity to create cherished memories and kickstart the new year with joy and prosperity!

Event Details

ICONIC CNY OPEN HOUSE

• Date: 1 & 2 February 2025 (初四 & 初五)
• Time: 10.00 AM – 6.00 PM
• Venue: Iconic Harmony Sales Gallery

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For more information, please call:

• 016-4583222
• 016-4289888
• 012-7397888

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable celebration. See you at Iconic Harmony Sales Gallery this Chinese New Year! ✨

Metrio Group is excited to invite you to the Grand Opening of the Forescape Sales Gallery!

Be ready for a day filled with engaging activities, vibrant traditions, and unforgettable experiences designed just for you.

From cultural performances to exclusive previews and exciting hands-on sessions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Don’t miss this opportunity to create special memories and celebrate this special milestone with Metrio Group!