Malaysia’s home ownership rate continued its upward trend in 2024, reflecting gradual improvement in household ownership across the country. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), which released its report few days ago, about 78% of households lived in their own homes in 2024, up from 76% in 2022.

DOSM reported that 19.7% of households were residing in rented living quarters, while 2.4% lived in employer-provided or other forms of quarters. Home ownership was highest among the top 20% income group at 85.5%, followed by the middle 40% at 75.9% and the bottom 40% at 76.3%, indicating relatively broad ownership across income levels.

At the state and federal territory level, Putrajaya recorded the lowest home ownership rate at 27.1%, followed by Labuan (61.1%), Kuala Lumpur (61.4%) and Selangor (71.9%). In contrast, Perlis (85.8%), Melaka (85.6%), Kedah (85.3%) and Perak (85.2%) topped the list with the highest ownership rates.

Penang also stood out with a home ownership rate of 81.4%, placing it above the national average and higher than other major urban states such as Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Johor. This suggests that despite its dense urban centres and strong property demand, Penang continues to maintain relatively healthy access to home ownership.

DOSM noted that variations between states reflect differences in demographic composition, housing market conditions and urban-rural characteristics.

Beyond housing, access to basic amenities remains high nationwide. Electricity coverage reached 99.9% of households, while treated piped water stood at 97.2% and waste collection services at 75.4%. Vehicle ownership was also widespread, with 92.3% of households owning a car and 78.1% owning a motorcycle. In terms of connectivity, 99.6% of households had internet access, underscoring Malaysia’s high level of digital penetration.

About Mertajam Heights

A residential development in the heart of Bukit Mertajam. Strategically located along Jalan Ciku, immediately opposite Ng Yam Huat food court with an abundance of essential amenities within 2km radius. The development features a 21-storey apartment building that offers a total of 278 residential units and 4 levels of car park. The residential units come in various sizes, ranging from 1,000sq.ft. to 1,498sq.ft. and offer a dual-key option.

*Photo taken end-Nov 2025

Find out more about Mertajam Heights

The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has introduced a series of traffic management measures, including the implementation of “Ops Payung”, to ease congestion at major tourist hotspots during the year-end school holidays, Christmas and New Year celebrations.

In a statement today, MBPP said Ops Payung will be enforced throughout the festive period at key locations such as Jalan Penang, Bukit Bendera, the Penang Festival site in Sungai Nibong, and Padang Kota Lama.

Along Jalan Penang, traffic control will be carried out daily from 11am to 5pm at three checkpoints located near Pasar Chowrasta Market, Kedai Jeruk Madu and in front of Lebuh Keng Kwee. At Bukit Bendera, enforcement will be conducted at two checkpoints between noon and 6pm to manage visitor traffic.

For the Penang Festival site in Sungai Nibong, MBPP officers will focus on maintaining smooth traffic flow and clearing obstructions from 7pm until midnight. Meanwhile, tow-truck patrols will be deployed at Padang Kota Lama starting from 6pm to address illegal parking and traffic bottlenecks.

To improve response time, MBPP will utilise its citywide CCTV network as “Intelligent Eyes” to monitor real-time traffic conditions. This will allow enforcement teams to be dispatched quickly to congestion hotspots as they arise. In addition, the operating hours of the council’s Enforcement Department Traffic Unit will be extended from 10pm to midnight, with extra patrols assigned to other congestion-prone areas.

Separately, all city council construction and public works, including roadworks and utility excavations, will be suspended from December 23 to January 1, 2026, except for emergency repairs. A 24-hour maintenance team will remain on standby to address urgent issues and ensure traffic flow is not disrupted.

While welcoming visitors to Penang, MBPP urged all motorists to comply with traffic regulations, plan their journeys in advance and park only in designated areas.

Earlier, Bernama reported that more than 2.2 million vehicles are expected to enter Penang during the festive period. Penang police chief Datuk Azizee Ismail said the projection is based on previous festive traffic trends, compounded by the ongoing Penang Festival running until January 10, 2026.

About Taman Simpang Empat

A low-density residential enclave within the SA Central freehold mixed-development by GUH Development Sdn. Bhd., located in Simpang Ampat. Comprising 61 units of 2-storey terrace homes with built-up areas starting from approximately 1,776 sq.ft., the development is designed to cater to modern family living. Strategically connected to major roads and the North–South Highways, and surrounded by everyday amenities, schools and commercial hubs, Taman Simpang Empat offers a balanced lifestyle anchored by comfort, connectivity and long-term value within the upcoming SA Central township.

SHOW UNITS READY FOR VIEWING

In an effort to ease mounting traffic congestion in the Bayan Lepas and Bayan Baru areas, Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang (MBPP) has announced an extension of the gate opening hours at Free Industrial Zone Phase 3 (FIZ 3) along Jalan Kampung Jawa.

The announcement was made during a press conference organised by MBPP’s Engineering Department yesterday, chaired by MBPP councillor Dr Mohd Suhairi Arumugam Abdullah. Several city councillors were present, along with representatives from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (Penang).

Jalan Kampung Jawa is a key arterial road linking Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway via the industrial area of FIZ Phase 3. The road is gated and jointly controlled by MBPP and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department as it passes through a free industrial zone.

At present, the gate is opened from Monday to Friday between 5.30am and 8.00pm, primarily for factory workers, while also serving as an alternative route for the general public. The gate, however, remains closed on weekends and public holidays.

With traffic volumes around the Bayan Baru roundabout continuing to rise, MBPP proposed extending the gate’s operating hours to provide an additional route for motorists travelling between Bayan Lepas, Bayan Baru and the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway. The proposed new opening hours are from 5.30am to 11.00pm daily.

The proposal was submitted to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department and discussed with the Free Industrial Zone Penang Companies’ Association (FREPENCA). Following these engagements, Customs has agreed to the extension.

Under the new arrangement, the FIZ Phase 3 gate along Jalan Kampung Jawa will open daily from 5.30am until 11.00pm, effective 1 January 2026.

According to MBPP, the extended opening hours are expected to:

• Reduce traffic conflicts around the Bayan Baru roundabout and surrounding roads
• Improve overall traffic flow
• Provide an additional alternative route for road users
• Enhance road capacity and safety in the area