THE two city councils in Penang have been directed to act against developers who deliberately delay the completion of affordable housing to take advantage of market prices on materials.
It is believed that some developers or their contractors are moving slower because they want to wait for construction materials to be priced lower compared to the present market conditions.
Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu expressed concern over the slow progress of such projects (under the planning phase category), emphasising that the state’s commitment to delivering affordable homes to the residents, is a priority.
“So far, out of our targeted 220,000 affordable housing units, over 160,000 have either been completed, are under construction, or are in the planning phase.
“There is a need to hasten the process by both the public and private sectors,” he said after a breaking of fast event at the Royale Chulan Hotel here.
“I want to highlight a worrying issue - more than 70,000 units categorised under the planning phase have yet to see any actual construction,” he said.
Sundarajoo has directed the Penang Island City Council and the Seberang Prai city council to summon slow moving developers for a special meeting to address the delays and seek solutions.
“If this issue persists, we will take a firm stand. The state will not approve any new planning permissions for these developers unless they commence construction on their pending affordable housing projects first,” he stated.
“If we do not take decisive action, this situation will continue, and Penangites will be deprived of their right to affordable homes. Our duty is to ensure that those who cannot afford expensive properties still have access to housing."
Sundarajoo also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to achieving its target of 220,000 affordable homes by 2030, ensuring that housing remains accessible to those in need. - March 20, 2025.
