GEORGE TOWN – After 30 years serving in the Civil Defence Force, operation assistant Sobri Ahmad, 58, is overjoyed to receive an offer letter from the Penang government to get an affordable housing unit.
The gesture was part of the state government’s effort to reward frontliners battling the Covid-19 pandemic.
Two years shy of his retirement, Sobri said life has been tough during this pandemic.
He and his family – comprising his wife, two children and one grandchild – are currently renting a terrace house at RM500 a month.
Sobri expressed his happiness at the chance of moving into a 600 sq ft affordable terrace house next year. It will cost him RM175,000.
He is among 90 civil servants and frontliners who received offer letters today at Penang Island City Council.
State Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said civil servants and frontliners need attention in terms of housing during this pandemic, apart from vulnerable groups.
“We have a process to select those who are eligible to get these affordable housing units. A committee, chaired by me, comprising 15 excos and assemblymen was established.
“We have met 60 times since 2016. It is because we need transparency in matters like this.”
In line with Penang’s Vision 2030, providing affordable homes is one way to reach its aim to increase livability and enhance the quality of life.
A total 106,742 affordable housing units are now under way, some of which are already built.
Of that, 34,388 units have been completed, 20,180 units under construction, and 52,174 units approved for construction.
Also from the total, 26,616 are low-cost housing, 26,995 are low- and medium-cost units and 53,131 are affordable housing units.
“I want to stress that housing is not for politicking. No matter what your political stance is, everyone still needs a home.
“We hope to get affordable housing aid even from the federal government.
“This also includes for those working in the civil service. This is our request,” Jagdeep said.
Since 2013, 6,695 applications for affordable housing among civil servants have been approved, with 2,850 offered affordable housing type A, 1,549 type B and 2,296 type C. – The Vibes, December 18, 2020
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