The ‘Skim Perumahan Sewa Khas’ (SPSK) scheme, aimed at providing housing for youths and singles in Penang, is currently in its initial phase. Once implemented, it is expected to significantly benefit these groups.

State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu (PH-Perai) revealed this during the Penang Legislative Assembly session at the State Assembly building in Light Street today.

Sundarajoo highlighted that the People’s Housing Programme (PPR), to be developed in Jelutong by the Housing and Local Government Ministry, will serve as the pioneer project for the SPSK scheme.

“The process of appointing a contractor will commence once funding is secured. The PPR in Jelutong will comprise 500 units,” he said.

He elaborated that the Penang Housing Board (LPNPP) has proposed allocating 250 units, each 650sq ft, for young families, while the remaining 250 units, sized at 450sq ft, will cater to youths and singles.

Sundarajoo made these remarks in response to an oral question by Lee Boon Heng (PH-Kebun Bunga).

Additionally, he shared that the LPNPP is studying a proposal to repurpose unsold affordable homes as transit housing for youths and singles under the SPSK scheme.

“Priority will be given to older, unmarried individuals within the ‘single’ category,” he added.

He also announced that the LPNPP will reserve 10% of affordable housing units built on state-owned land for a rent-to-own scheme.

As part of the initiative, redevelopment projects such as Kampung Ujung Batu and Kampung Manis will be included.

For applicants of the affordable housing scheme who have been rejected by banks three times, Sundarajoo confirmed that they would be eligible for the rent-to-own option under the LPNPP.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

About The Meg @ Andaman

The first project in Andaman Island, the highly-anticipated prime reclaimed island of Seri Tanjung Pinang Phase 2A by E&O. Features two blocks of 27 and 34-storey serviced apartments with an estimated GDV of RM690 million. It comprises 1,020 residential units with innovative layouts designed to suit young executives and new families.

Find out more about The Meg @ Andaman

The Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara Line project is set to enhance connectivity with 20 stations on Penang Island and one on the mainland at Penang Sentral in Seberang Perai. This landmark project, developed by MRT Corp, aims to provide seamless transport options for residents and commuters.

State Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari presented the latest updates during the Penang Legislative Assembly, emphasizing the strategic alignment of the proposed route. The LRT will begin at Silicon Island and pass through major locations, including the Penang International Airport, Free Industrial Zone (FIZ), SPICE, Sungai Nibong, Komtar, and several residential and commercial hubs. The mainland station at Penang Sentral will offer an essential link between Seberang Perai and the island. All stations on the Mutiara Line will be elevated.

To improve convenience and alleviate traffic congestion, nine stations will include park-and-ride facilities, offering approximately 1,100 parking spaces. These facilities will enable commuters to park their vehicles and seamlessly switch to the LRT, reducing the number of cars on the road and promoting the use of public transportation. These facilities are planned for stations at Permatang Damar Laut, Jalan Tengah, Bukit Jambul, Sungai Dua, Jalan Universiti, Penang Sentral, Gelugor, Sungai Pinang, and Bandar Sri Pinang. Land acquisition processes are currently underway to finalize these plans.

Zairil also addressed traffic management concerns, highlighting the development of a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) that will be monitored by local councils and the state Public Works Department (JKR). Additionally, discussions are ongoing with Rapid Penang and MRT Corp to introduce feeder bus services to enhance accessibility to LRT stations.

“This initiative underscores Penang’s commitment to improving public transportation while addressing congestion challenges. Further updates on feeder bus services will be announced soon,” Zairil stated.

A significant milestone was achieved on Friday with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Jayamas Property Group and The Ark International School. The ceremony took place at Jayamas Property Group’s headquarters in Bukit Mertajam, marking a key step in redefining the RU Square Commercial Center in Raja Uda, Butterworth.

Jayamas Property Group’s Managing Director, Ir. Ooi Wei Chong, and The Ark International School’s directors—Mr. Michael Anthonysamy, Mr. Goh Wooi Beng, Madam Gan Siew Guat, and Madam Leu Kim Siew—formalized this partnership, which will see the establishment of The Ark International School within RU Square.

Spanning 14.58 acres, RU Square comprises several commercial zones, including Nanyang Street, Kings Galleria, a drive-thru, and various retail outlets. Currently, Nanyang Street and Kings Galleria are open for sale, adding vibrant commercial opportunities to the development.

The Ark International School will be the first international school in Raja Uda, offering a world-class educational experience based on the English IGCSE curriculum. With 21 years of expertise in education, the school is set to be completed by Q3 2027, promising to enhance the local community’s access to quality education.

Congratulations to both Jayamas Property Group and The Ark International School on this landmark collaboration!

The construction of Le Meridien Penang Airport and Rackson’s Serviced Apartment near Penang International Airport (PIA) marks a significant milestone in Penang’s journey towards becoming a global hub for business, tourism, and innovation. These projects, part of the visionary Penang Gateway development, carry a gross development value of RM1.5 billion.

Speaking at the second groundbreaking ceremony at Jalan Mahkamah, Bayan Lepas, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow highlighted the transformative potential of these initiatives. The construction phase alone is projected to create over 1,000 jobs, with an additional 300 direct employment opportunities once the projects become operational.

Le Meridien Penang Airport, a five-star luxury hotel, will feature 200 rooms tailored to meet the needs of business travellers, leisure guests, and event organisers. Complementing this is the Avion Serviced Apartment, offering 608 premium residential units designed for long-term residents and expatriates.

Strategically located near Penang International Airport, the upcoming LRT airport station, and the planned Mitsui Outlet Park, these developments are set to benefit from seamless integration with Penang’s evolving transportation ecosystem. “This synergy underscores Penang’s commitment to accessibility, connectivity, and smart urban planning,” Chow noted.

Tourism remains a vital pillar of Penang’s economy, with the state’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector contributing an estimated RM1.033 billion last year. Meanwhile, Penang International Airport handled nearly 7 million passengers, underlining its role as a key gateway.

Chow emphasised that these projects will enhance Penang’s infrastructure and elevate its global standing.