A Malay-based non-governmental organisation wants the state government to come up with more affordable housing schemes on the island for the community here.
Penang Malay Congress president Rahmad Isahak said the state government’s plan to develop the island into an international-class one, was commendable but it would undeniably affect the economy of the Malays in the state if many were forced to relocate out of their ancestral houses due to rising living costs.
However he did not deny that many residents here could benefit from the rapid development pace as it would create employment opportunities.
“However, the current housing schemes are far from being affordable, especially for the Malays on the island. Only a small number of us can afford to buy homes on the island and even if we can afford them, the majority can afford only low-cost apartments,” he said a press conference here yesterday.
He urged the state government to look into the social and economic welfare of the Malays in Penang.
“There is a strong imbalance in the socio-economic conditions in Penang. Most of the Malay middle-income earners here can afford to buy houses in only Balik Pulau and Seberang Prai,” he claimed. - By The Star
4 comments
Can afford low cost apartments not good enough ah? Want to build bungalow for each family is it? Ban Ban Tan la...
Socio-economic imbalance? If they are paying equal amount of tax then we start talking la.
Dear LittleOne
The request is fair, they are not asking for bungalow but affordable housing. How come this can be done in Singapore ? State government is capable to do that, only government can build houses in Penang Island ok or not ?
When I say this, all the developers will be angry of me as they (like Mah Sing, SP setia etc) have to pack to go back to KL, close business and less speculative environment in Penang !
Dear Observer,
I agreed with you. I feel that the request is fair. They are also human being staying in Penang Island like us. Let's put the prejudice aside and help the poor....I believe they are the group that staying in Penang longer than us. We should at least show some respect to them.
Yeah, I hope if ever the request is granted, it would actually open to other poor people from other races also, not only Malay.
But anyway, I think the nationwide housing scheme is good enough already (100% loan for salary below RM3k for RM220k worth of houses)?