It is also learnt that the families, protesting at Komtar, were allowed to go back to their old units and clear out their belongings in two weeks.

Farah Abdul, a resident, said the state government called the protesting families for a discussion today.

Farah said she was offered an RM40,000 rent-to-own flat along Macallum Street Ghaut, with RM220 as monthly rent, adding another family was also given a similar option.

Farah said she would soon vacate the Komtar lobby and leave for her new home.

The Penang government is also learnt to have offered a RM72,500 flat to another family.

Meanwhile, NGOs which had been supporting the families called the state government’s decision a moral victory for them and the residents.

The six families were camping at the lobby of Komtar to protest their eviction from PPR houses since last Wednesday.

A total of 22 families were evicted after they were found to be no longer eligible to stay there.

The PPR flats, which cost RM124 to rent, are offered to those earning a household income of RM1,500 or below.

The families were evicted for longstanding arrears and breaching rules on household income and marriage to foreigners.

The chief minister’s office is expected to hold a press conference tomorrow on the matter.