Poser over PR1MA sites

> Penang wants federal govt to clarify discrepancies on location of projects

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang state government wants the federal government to specify the locations of the proposed 1Malaysia People’s Housing (PR1MA) projects that were approved in the state.

State housing, town and country planning committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo claimed there were some contradictions, as the data from local authorities was vastly different from the announcement made public.

The official records show that only two projects, at Kampung Kastam, Bukit Gelugor (1,823 units) and Batu Feringghi (1,248 units), have been approved by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).

“However, there was no approval by Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) for PR1MA projects on the mainland,” he told a press conference at Komtar yesterday.

It was reported that Penang Federal Action Council chairman Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Osman had announced there were 15,397 units under PR1MA projects jointly approved by MBPP and MPSP.

The report listed Bukit Gelugor (905 units), Sungai Pinang (6,796), Teluk Kumbar (3,944 ), Permatang Pauh (1,017), Batu Feringghi (1,248) and Tasek Gelugor (2,387) as areas where projects had been approved.

Jagdeep said he needs a clarification on the matter and did not intend to blame anyone.

In fact, he said, he would be happy if there was approval for PR1MA projects in the state.

“We need clarification; we are puzzled why the numbers do not tally,” he said.

Jagdeed stressed that PR1MA should proceed in Penang now because it has been delayed for too long.

He said Penang is the only state without PR1MA projects since the introduction of the public affordable housing scheme in 2012.

Updating on the status of affordable housing in Penang, Jagdeep said the state government has planned 17 projects in five districts with a target of building 27,230 units.

Out of these projects, five have already begun and are in various stages of development.