RMKu Project For 23 Families Of Ladang Sungai Kechil Starts This Year

NIBONG TEBAL, April 11 (Bernama) -- The Rumah MutiaraKu (RMKu) housing project for 23 families in Ladang Sungai Kechil here, who have been facing eviction following a land dispute for more than 10 years, is expected to begin this year.

State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo said RM7 million has been allocated for the construction cost of 23 replacement units of C1 type RMKu, which are single-storey terrace houses measuring 750 square feet, which will be handed over free of charge to the original residents, thus providing direct benefits to all owners involved.

He said that in total, the project comprises 85 units of RMKu type C1 involving a cost of RM24 million for the proposed project to be developed by Tetuan Sierra Residences (M) Sdn Bhd on Lot 10059, Mukim 8, Seberang Perai Selatan (SPS) district on a ​​24,928.66 square metres (6.16 acres) site.

"The project plan will be submitted within a month before going through the approval process which is expected to take about three months and after receiving approval, construction work will commence with the first phase expected to be completed within 18 months.

"Phase 1 will give priority to the development of replacement units to ensure that the welfare of the existing residents, while phase 2 will only be implemented after all the residents have moved out, which will involve the demolition of the old structure and the redevelopment of the area, namely the construction of the remaining houses, which is expected to take between 18 and 20 months," he told reporters here today.

He was met after the Signing of the Settlement Agreement with the residents of Ladang Kechil for the proposed RMKu development of the Penang State Housing Board (LPNPP) which was officiated by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

"The proposed project is also expected to have a positive socio-economic impact on the local residents through increased employment opportunities, boosting local business activities and strengthening public facilities network.

"The presence of the project will not only provide comfortable and affordable housing, but will also be a catalyst for the development of a more livable, harmonious and prosperous community," he said, adding that the entire land there belongs to the state government.

Meanwhile, Chow said the provision of the replacement units proves the state government's commitment to preserving the welfare and rights of the original residents and that the resettlement is carried out with a more orderly and comfortable approach to improve the living condition of the residents.

He said the development also includes the reconstruction of the Non-Muslim House of Worship (RIBI) as an effort to preserve the harmony of the local community and at the same time, public facilities and basic infrastructure will be provided in a planned manner to ensure a comfortable and conducive living environment.

A resident, S. Ambigahbati, 57, said he and his family are grateful and happy that the residents' struggle to get their own homes has finally succeeded after being assisted by the state government.

"I am the third generation here and was born in Ladang Sungai Kechil house which was previously inhabited by my parents. Finally, with the help of the state government, we were able to have our own house here, which is our own legacy home. Thank you, state government," he said. The settlement dates back more than 100 years to the time of his grandparents.

-- BERNAMA