Penang will legalise its PPR and State Rental Homes, evicting over 30% of tenants who exceed the RM1,500 income limit or have overstayed, to address RM2 million in rental arrears
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang state government will conduct a legalisation programme for People’s Housing Projects and State Rental Homes.
State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri S Sundarajoo said the move aims to ensure only qualified tenants enjoy low-cost housing, with over 30% expected to be evicted for not meeting conditions.
He stated the household income limit is RM1,500 and below, with rentals intended as a temporary scheme.
“Based on current records, there are tenants who have stayed in units for almost 20 years,” Sundarajoo said at a media conference.
He added some tenants continued staying even when their household income exceeded the stipulated condition.
As an initial step, 18 notices have been issued to tenants at the Taman Manggis PPR.
Those affected are given three months to vacate the premises, with Taman Manggis being the pioneer in the legalisation effort.
Penang has four PPR schemes: Taman Manggis, Taman Bagan Jaya, Mak Mandin and Permatang Tok Suboh.
Out of 999 PPR units, 934 are tenanted, with 268 units having rental arrears of RM254,633.
For State Rental Homes, 1,591 of 1,931 units are tenanted, with 907 units having arrears reaching RM1.77 million.
Sundarajoo said the state government has set a rental period of three years for PPR.
This period can be extended to a maximum of six years depending on the tenant’s economic standing.
The overall rental arrears for these housing projects exceed RM2 million.