The Penang State Government is stepping up efforts to combat the misuse of affordable housing, following a high-level enforcement and legal committee meeting chaired by the Penang housing and environment state exco Dato Seri Sundarajoo on May 5. The meeting, held at Bilik Nilam in KOMTAR, marked the first session of the Enforcement and Legal Action Committee under the Penang State Housing Board (LPNPP) for the year.

Described as a crucial platform, the session focused on strengthening enforcement against the growing abuse of affordable housing units, particularly under the Rumah MutiaraKu scheme and the People’s Housing Project (PPR). Also present were Youth, Sports and Health Exco YB Gooi Zi Sen, as well as several state assemblymen including YB Wong Yuee Harng of Pengkalan Kota, YB Chee Yeeh Keen of Bagan Jermal, and YB Phee Syn Tze of Sungai Puyu, alongside senior officials from LPNPP.

During the meeting, Sundarajoo reaffirmed the state’s commitment to upholding integrity and accountability in the allocation and management of affordable housing. He stressed that any violation of tenancy terms would be met with firm action from the state. A key concern raised was the issue of tenants who fail to pay their monthly rent, which directly affects the financial resources available for maintaining the buildings and their surroundings. Another major concern involved the illegal subletting of housing units to foreign nationals or third parties who are not eligible for such housing. These practices, he said, not only breach tenancy agreements but also deny deserving Penangites access to affordable homes.

Sundarajoo underscored that the state government will not compromise when it comes to such misconduct. He called for a strengthening of existing legislation to ensure enforcement actions can be carried out more effectively. This includes improving monitoring systems, expediting legal processes, and introducing new clauses in tenancy agreements to prevent further abuse.

He concluded by affirming the state’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every affordable housing unit benefits the rightful recipients—particularly low- and middle-income residents of Penang. This, he said, aligns with the government’s broader goal of building a more inclusive and prosperous community.

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-April 2025

Find out more about Mertajam Heights

One Mutiara, a proposed affordable housing development by PDC Properties Sdn. Bhd. at Pantai Jerjak. Located on approximately 2 acres of land along Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu Expressway, accessible via Jalan Pantai Jerjak 6. It is strategically located near Sungai Nibong and Queensbay, surrounded by abundant essential amenities such as schools, banks, markets, mall and popular eateries.

This development will involve the construction of a 27-storey skyscraper, comprising 356 affordable units and six levels of car parking podiums. The total development value is RM115.9 million.

More details to be available upon official launch.

READ MORE ABOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING:

• Full list of affordable housing in Penang
• Eligibility and the requirement of buying affordable housing

Project Name : One Mutiara
Location : Pantai Jerjak
Property Type : Affordable housing and mixed development
Land Tenure: (to be confirmed)
Land Area: 1.97 acres
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Total Units : 356
Indicative Price : (to be confirmed)
Developer : PDC Properties Sdn. Bhd.

DISCLAIMER: This article is solely based on research done using publicly available data. This is not an advertisement. Any claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a project or service should be verified with the developer, provider, or party in question.

About Maldives Residences

A residential development by Ideal Property Group at Bayan Lepas. Strategically located along Jalan Sungai Tiram 6, just across the road from Havana Beach Residences. It is conveniently connected to Jalan Tun Dr Awang, less than 2km away from Penang International Airport. This development comprises 46-storey building with 4 residential towers. It features a mix of affordable and upgraded units, with a built-up size of 850sq.ft. onwards.

Find out more about Maldives Residences

Step into a refreshing lifestyle at Taman Ara Damai, the latest residential offering by GSD Land in Tasek Gelugor. Embracing a tropical living concept, this thoughtfully designed township brings together modern facades, spacious interiors, and lush greenery to create a comfortable and efficient home environment for families of all sizes.

Taman Ara Damai is more than just a housing project — it’s a vibrant and growing township planned across eight well-organized phases, comprising approximately 2,200 units in total. The development features a diverse mix of Single-Storey Terrace Homes, Single-Storey Semi-Detached Homes, and Double-Storey Shop Offices. Whether you’re starting your homeownership journey or searching for a peaceful place to settle down, this master-planned community offers both practicality and long-term value.

Each home is designed to enhance your everyday living experience. With high ceilings and large windows, the interiors feel bright and airy, promoting natural ventilation and a sense of spaciousness. The modern layouts cater to contemporary lifestyles, offering generous living spaces and outdoor yards that allow families to enjoy a balance of indoor comfort and outdoor relaxation.

At Taman Ara Damai, lifestyle and community go hand in hand. The development features a range of facilities that support family bonding, physical wellness, and social interaction. Residents can enjoy recreational parks, a children’s playground, outdoor gym equipment, and a dedicated bicycle track. A multipurpose hall is also available, ideal for hosting community events, family functions, or everyday gatherings with friends and neighbors.

Strategically located along Jalan Tasek Gelugor – Ara Kuda, the township boasts excellent connectivity to major surrounding towns. With easy access to the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway, residents are well-connected to Tasek Gelugor, Kubang Semang, Bukit Mertajam, and Butterworth. Nature lovers will appreciate the proximity to Bukit Katak, a local favorite for family-friendly hiking and outdoor exploration.

Taman Ara Damai offers more than a place to live — it provides a lifestyle rooted in comfort, security, and sustainability. Surrounded by natural beauty and equipped with community-centric amenities, this is a neighborhood where families can thrive, friendships can grow, and memories can be made.

Now is the perfect time to be part of this exciting development. With Tasek Gelugor’s rising appeal in the northern Penang region, owning a home in Taman Ara Damai is not just a smart choice, it’s a meaningful investment in your future.

Taman Ara Damai Sales Gallery at Tasek Gelugor is open daily from 9am to 6pm. Contact GSD Land at 1700-818-365.