Two long-stalled Rumah MutiaraKu (RMKu) housing projects in Balik Pulau are set for revival, offering long-awaited relief to more than 500 homebuyers affected by years of delay.

The projects—Pangsapuri Sri Bayu and Pangsapuri Quinton—involve a combined total of 625 units and had been abandoned for about seven years after construction was halted due to financial constraints faced by the original developer. Prior to the stoppage, Sri Bayu had reached over 60% completion, while Quinton was more than 80% complete.

Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo said the issue was raised by affected buyers with the state government over a year ago and subsequently debated in the state legislative assembly. Following this, Mah Sing Group was appointed as the financier for the recovery effort, while BakerTilly Malaysia was named liquidator to manage and oversee the structured completion of both projects.

The state aims to complete one of the projects by June or July, with the second targeted for completion by the end of the year. However, Sundarajoo noted that rehabilitation work would be challenging, as many internal components had been damaged or stolen during the prolonged abandonment.

The announcement was made following the signing of a formal agreement between Mah Sing Group and BakerTilly Malaysia at Komtar, witnessed by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. The agreement formalises the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in bringing the projects to completion.

Chow said the state government takes seriously the issue of “sick projects” under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, particularly those delayed by more than 30% or where the sale and purchase agreement period has lapsed. He noted that both Balik Pulau projects were nearly fully sold, with agreements signed as early as October and November 2017.

Acknowledging the financial strain on buyers—who have had to service housing loans while paying rent for temporary accommodation—the state government, through the Penang State Housing Board and related agencies, has conducted site visits and multiple meetings to develop a viable recovery plan. Ongoing monitoring will continue to ensure compliance with procedures and to safeguard buyers’ rights.

For buyers like civil servant Mohd Danial Rasydan Razak, the revival brings renewed hope. After years of uncertainty and financial burden, he said the news finally offers a clear path toward moving into the first home he purchased, marking a long-awaited turning point for affected families.

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