Penang: The Penang Housing Board (LPNPP) has announced a significant reduction in the waiting period for Rumah MutiaraKu (RMKu) scheme applications, now set between three to six months following an update to the application.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative aims to address the prolonged waiting times for Low-Cost Housing (RMKu A) and Low-Medium Cost Houses (RMKu B) offers. State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo highlighted the state government's awareness of these delays and the steps taken to mitigate them. A comprehensive data screening process has been implemented for the Housing Information System (SMP), resulting in the disqualification of many previously registered applicants due to factors like the current household income limit.

Sundarajoo emphasized the importance for applicants to update their information to maintain active status. Those who fail to do so will be deemed inactive and excluded from consideration for housing offers. This measure is expected to streamline the application process and decrease waiting times. He shared these details during a Penang state assembly session, responding to inquiries about the guidelines for RMKu housing units and efforts to expedite the process.

As of now, there are 6,249 applications on the LPNPP SMP waiting list. Since 2020, 8,567 RMKu units have been completed, which include 3,420 RMKu A units and 5,147 RMKu B units. The RMKu initiative is part of the state government's effort to provide housing for low-income residents of Penang, aligning with the Penang State Structure Plan 2020 (RSNPP).