A 20-year-delayed housing project in Permatang Pauh will finally proceed, providing 117 low-cost units for original residents with ongoing compensation.
TASEK GELUGOR: A housing development project for Kampung Bagan Serai residents, delayed for nearly two decades, is finally set to proceed.
Penang Regional Development Authority (PERDA) chairman Datuk Dr Shaik Hussein Mydin said the 13.7-acre site will be developed into 117 low-cost apartment units.
The project will relocate original residents who have waited since the land was acquired in 2008.
It follows a joint venture agreement signed between PERDA subsidiary PERDA Ventures Corporated Sdn Bhd and JKP Sdn Bhd.
Technical issues after the initial land acquisition had caused the long delay.
“Although the project was long delayed, the residents have not been neglected,” Shaik Hussein said.
He confirmed all 117 affected families continue to receive monthly rental payments and compensation from PERDA.
The development plan is expected to be submitted for approval by June next year.
The first phase of housing is slated for completion within five years.
It will require about two to three acres, with each 750 sq ft unit priced at RM42,000.
Once residents are relocated, a subsequent phase will include commercial units and 299 medium-cost apartments.
Penang Bumiputera Development Council chairman Tan Sri Khalid Ramli expressed gratitude for PERDA’s cooperation.
“We never intended to delay the project, but certain factors caused setbacks,” Khalid said.
He noted cooperation is now smoother as both entities are government agencies.
