A total of 187 recipients received their keys and ownership offer letters for Rumah MutiaraKu (RMKu) Type A units at the Mak Mandin Indah project in Penang, marking another milestone in the state government’s affordable housing agenda.

Each unit spans 650 sq ft with three bedrooms and is priced at just RM42,000, a fraction of the current market construction cost of between RM170,000 and RM180,000 per unit. The total construction cost of the project was nearly RM29 million, yet units were sold at a combined price of only RM9 million, meaning the Penang State Government absorbed approximately RM20 million to ensure low-income residents could own a home.

Speaking at the key handover ceremony, Housing and Environment Exco Dato’ Seri S. Sundarajoo reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to affordable homeownership despite rising construction costs. He added that through the Penang State Housing Board (LPNPP), the state is targeting the construction of 220,000 RMKu units to meet the housing needs of its people.

Units at Mak Mandin Indah are offered under a rent-to-own scheme, where recipients pay just RM250 per month for 15 years, after which full ownership is transferred to them. Sundarajoo noted that this approach eliminates the need for bank loans, sparing buyers from high interest rates and upfront deposit payments that can reach up to RM6,000. Since last year, LPNPP has also been purchasing compliance housing units priced below RM100,000 from developers to resell to the public through the same rent-to-own method. The state also offers RMKu Type C units priced between RM200,000 and RM300,000 under a similar scheme.

Among those who received their units, recipients expressed heartfelt gratitude for finally having a place to call their own. For many, the programme represents relief from years of renting at rates they could no longer sustain, with some having faced personal hardships including job loss, health challenges and family difficulties. The affordable monthly payment of RM250 offers them not just a roof over their heads, but long-term security and peace of mind.

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