Penang state is taking action to address the growing issue of rental and maintenance arrears for People's Housing Project (PPR) and public housing units, totaling RM17.7 million. The state housing board will update its database to ensure tenants meet eligibility criteria, and those who do not will be required to vacate their units.
Penang state is taking decisive action to tackle the growing issue of rental and maintenance arrears for its People's Housing Project ( PPR ) and public housing units, amounting to a staggering RM17.7 million. State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu revealed that these arrears, affecting 7,854 units, have accumulated since the 1970s.
This, he explained, not only strains the state's finances but also deprives eligible individuals from accessing these essential housing units. Somu emphasized the state housing board's plan to update its tenant database, meticulously verifying their eligibility based on income and outstanding arrears. He stressed that PPR units are intended exclusively for households with incomes below RM1,500, and any tenant exceeding this threshold will be required to vacate the unit to make way for a more deserving applicant. The current policy allows tenants to reside in PPR units for a maximum of three years, but Somu pointed out that some have stayed for up to a decade. He intends to closely scrutinize these long-term occupants, questioning how their household income hasn't risen during such an extended period. Furthermore, Somu addressed the concern of tenants who have accumulated years of unpaid rental and maintenance fees. He declared that the state will no longer tolerate such delinquent behavior, reiterating that those no longer meeting eligibility criteria must vacate the units to allow for a fair allocation to those in genuine need. He underscored the importance of ensuring fairness to those patiently awaiting their turn on the waiting list. During a recent visit to PPR units in Taman Manggis, Somu encountered tenants with household incomes exceeding RM3,000, some even owning two cars, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement. He warned that legal action will be pursued against tenants who fail to pay for up to a year. Somu, however, acknowledged exceptions for tenants facing genuine hardships, such as disability or loss of income, offering leniency in such cases. To address the existing arrears, the state government is considering writing off older debts from the 1970s to the 1990s and those owed by deceased or untraceable tenants. A rigorous monitoring system will also be implemented to prevent the recurrence of such substantial arrears in the future
Penang Public Housing PPR Rental Arrears Maintenance Arrears Housing Guidelines Affordable Housing
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