Penang to set up its Housing Board in July

The state Housing Board, which will promote affordable housing projects by the private sector, will be established on July 1.

Penang Town and Country Planning, Housing and Arts Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said an enactment to set up the board was passed at the state assembly in November last year.

“Under this enactment, the board is now a statutory body which will take time to be established,” he said.

“We hope to handle housing issues in a more effective manner. There must be proper legislation in place, and some amendments made to the Housing Development Act,” he said yesterday.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng had said that the board was necessary to counter high property prices currently beyond the reach of most Penangites.

Wong said that the board would look into eradicating corruption and reducing red tape in the housing sector while curbing excessive profits. - By The Star

2 comments

February 20, 2011 at 4:27 PMUnknown

A very good move which has been way long overdue. Hopefully it will continue to remain competent, accountable and transparent. The effects and benefits will probably take a few years to bear fruit, but it is a good start. Brownie points for the state government!

 
February 20, 2011 at 4:34 PMUnknown

Public is tired with empty promises and plans with are nothing but an empty frontage. A solid move like this Housing Board is evident and proof of a government for the people. But I say that with the condition that they really do succeed with the Board and change.
You don't need much to win the public's heart. All you need is to be honest in leading the state and country, people have eyes to see themselves. The time for No Action Talk Only is over! How can people keep accepting lies, excuses and dirty politics?!
I support you Penang government! Keep it up!