The Penang State Government has reaffirmed its pledge to provide secure housing for displaced residents of Lot 10059, Mukim 8, Seberang Perai Selatan, through the Rumah MutiaraKu (RMKu) project.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that 23 original families, who once faced forced eviction from the site, will each receive a landed home free of charge once the project is completed. Three Hindu temples will also be rebuilt and handed over at no cost.
Chow made the announcement after witnessing the signing of a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) between the Penang State Housing Board (LPNPP) and Sierra Residences (M) Sdn. Bhd., the appointed developer.
“We have selected the developer. Once planning approval is secured from the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), construction may begin as early as 2026,” Chow said.
The project spans 6.146 acres and will deliver a total of 85 single-storey terrace houses. Each unit will feature a built-up area of 750 square feet, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a parking space.
Of these, 23 units are reserved for the original families, while the remaining units will be sold at RM200,000 each under a cross-subsidy mechanism. “The sale of these units will subsidise the cost of the free homes and three temples. The state government will not profit from this project, as we have already borne the land acquisition cost,” Chow explained.
He added that the construction will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption. Residents will move into their new homes upon completion of the first phase, after which their existing houses will be demolished to make way for the subsequent phases.
The initiative stems from a land dispute several years ago, when the landowner of Lot 10059 obtained a court order to evict the 23 families. The state intervened by negotiating with the landowner and eventually acquiring the land to ensure that the residents could remain on the same site under a planned housing development.
“This long-term solution fulfils our promise to rehouse the affected families in a more organised and secure environment,” Chow said.
Also present at the event was State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Dato’ Seri S. Sundarajoo, who highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to expanding affordable housing opportunities across Penang.
