George town: The Penang state government has defended the eviction of residents from the Taman Manggis People's Housing Project (PPR) here, stating that the residents no longer meet eligibility requirements. This move aims to make way for those genuinely in need of housing.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo emphasized that the eviction process is being conducted in stages. Affected residents have been allowed to appeal and have been given a reasonable period to relocate. Notices for eviction were initially issued in March, with an allowance for extensions up to three additional months. Some residents have been granted leeway to remain until December.
"We are not evicting them all at once. We want to ensure that the cases we handle have truly been reviewed and that they are no longer eligible," Sundarajoo stated at a press conference at KOMTAR. He added that those facing genuine problems are encouraged to discuss them with the authorities, as the government understands the difficulties faced by the people.
The Penang State Housing Board (LPNPP) has offered alternative housing solutions, including a rent-to-own scheme for some affected residents. However, some offers have been declined due to location preferences. Sundarajoo stressed that the state government cannot continue to provide unlimited extensions, considering the many low-income earners still in need of assistance. Background checks revealed that some residents possess assets such as luxury vehicles and registered businesses, suggesting they are in better financial positions.
"If these units are not vacated, how can we help those who genuinely need them? We have to make way for those who are truly eligible because we also face a constraint on units," Sundarajoo explained. So far, action has been taken on 19 units, with 103 other cases undergoing phased processing and eligibility checks.
Sundarajoo also noted that the state government lacks written records of any promises made to Taman Manggis PPR residents regarding the purchase of units. He urged anyone with relevant documents to submit them to the LPNPP. Previously, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow reported that enforcement action followed a thorough review process, considering both appeals and extensions, while also addressing the needs of other long-waiting PPR housing applicants.