Penang: Over 100 PPR tenants face eviction, says exco
IT took Penang more than a decade to settle on enforcing eligibility rules at the Taman Manggis transit housing scheme, rules that had long been softened on humanitarian grounds, state executive councillor Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo says. Sundarajoo, w...
Penang's executive councillor Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo defended the eviction of over 100 tenants from Taman Manggis transit housing scheme, asserting the rules were only recently made mandatory after a decade of exceptions. Speaking at a media briefing, Sundarajoo dismissed accusations of cruelty, asserting the state's patience even as it acknowledged tenant abuses of the temporary housing's three-year privilege.
Taman Manggis provides housing for families for up to three years, after which they can qualify for affordable units priced between RM42,000 and RM300,000.
Currently, up to 100 tenants face eviction for breaching state housing board rules, with 103 names being processed in phases. Affected tenants can appeal and submit supporting documents, with genuine cases such as elderly or disabled individuals and those with ongoing home construction granted extensions. Sundarajoo emphasized the state cannot allow units to remain occupied indefinitely, especially with more than 1,000 applicants on the waiting list.
He revealed instances where units had been occupied for up to 20 years, some renovated and equipped with luxury amenities, while tenants possessed expensive vehicles and motorcycles.
Sundarajoo's defense extends to Penang's broader housing record, claiming the state has built 176,457 units, representing 80.21% of its 2030 target, and purchased 1,133 units through rent-to-own schemes. Addressing allegations of promises made to former Taman Manggis tenants about unit purchases, Sundarajoo pointed to the lack of documentary evidence supporting these claims.
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