PHA Hopes For Faster Delivery Of Affordable Homes In Penang

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 7 (Bernama) – The Penang Hindu Association (PHA) hopes the state government will expedite the delivery of affordable housing units amid growing concerns over the increasing number of families struggling to secure proper homes.

PHA president P. Murugiah said requests for housing assistance have risen in recent years, reflecting the hardship faced by low-income groups due to the rising cost of living and rentals.

“As an organisation that frequently assists the needy, we are alarmed by the number of families with multiple children who can no longer afford monthly rent. Some have even turned to loan sharks to settle their arrears, placing them at risk of becoming homeless,” he said in a statement here today, issued after PHA’s 26th annual Deepavali Charity Programme last Sunday. 

He hopes the state government will expedite its target of building 200,000 affordable homes by 2030, while also encouraging the Federal and other state governments to replicate Penang’s success in implementing the People’s Housing Project (PPR).

Deputy Chief Minister II, Jagdeep Singh Deo, who officiated the event, said the state government remains committed to its affordable housing agenda, with 170,000 units already completed to date.

“Penang has one of the highest affordable housing delivery rates in the country, and we are continuously improving our application process to ensure that those truly in need receive priority,” he said.

At the event today, a total of 150 hardcore poor families from Penang Island, Seberang Perai and Kulim, Kedah, received grocery packages worth RM180 each, along with Deepavali snacks, sweets and cash aid.

-- BERNAMA