GEORGE TOWN – Penang Island has finally received its first Projek Perumahan Rakyat 1 Malaysia (PR1MA) in Kg Kastam, Bukit Gelugor here that is expected to be ready by 2024.
The project was delayed for almost eight years, due to political differences between the state and federal governments, as well as land ownership issues.
At the groundbreaking ceremony today, Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said the PR1MA Bukit Gelugor Residence is in collaboration with private developer Ideal Property Group.
“The Bukit Gelugor Residence PR1MA project is the first project we launched in Penang after the Covid-19 crisis. With this project, we hope that it will help Penang achieve the target of providing affordable housing for the people.
“This project will provide 2,850 units with several price categories with a ceiling price of RM300,000.”
Zuraida said this is the first project in the state to be developed using the latest PR1MA business model.
“This business model doesn’t require high investment by the government as PR1MA gives land to developers to build affordable housing for the people, including the B40 group.”
Zuraida said interested buyers can submit an application to the developer, which will be screened by the state government, to ensure only eligibility.
In 2012, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced that PR1MA housing projects would be built in Balik Pulau, Bukit Mertajam, Permatang Pauh and Nibong Tebal districts.
In 2017, more than 50 units of the Royal Malaysian Customs (Customs) living quarters in Kg Kastam were demolished to make way for the PR1MA project.
It caused a stir when residents consisting of retired Customs officers held a demonstration because they did not want to vacate.
It is understood that most government retirees chose to remain in the quarters following the construction of the new Bukit Gelugor Customs housing, which is about 2km from Kg Kastam. – The Vibes, December 27, 2020
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