State housing and environment committee chairman S Sundarajoo said the redevelopment would provide the residents with larger and more comfortable homes, free of charge.

“The villages involved are Kampung Manis, which has nearly 300 homes; Kampung Main Road in Perai, with 128 homes; and Kampung Ujung Batu in Bagan Dalam, with 357 homes. All of the residents have agreed to the proposed redevelopment project.

“Most of the homes were built illegally decades ago. For example, Kampung Manis has existed for over 70 years,” Sundarajoo told reporters after the Penang Housing Board’s 2024 Excellence in Service appreciation ceremony and Hari Raya Aidilfitri gathering last night.

He added that the initiative was part of Penang’s broader mission for zero squatter settlements while ensuring improved living conditions for residents.

Sundarajoo said the state government had issued a request for proposal for the redevelopment although the total cost had yet to be finalised.

According to the plan, the projects will begin with the construction of relocation homes for the residents, followed by the development of mixed housing including Mutiara affordable homes and shoplots.

“We hope to break ground on at least two of the three projects this year. Kampung Manis, covering 36.7 acres, and Kampung Ujung Batu, covering 15 acres, will be prioritised and rebranded under the Rumah Mutiara Madani initiative,” he said.

Sundarajoo also reported that as of April 20, the state had delivered 166,607 housing units, representing 75.73% of its target to supply 220,000 units of affordable homes by 2030.

For the rent-to-own programme, he said 5,096 units or 23.16% of the 22,000-unit target had been achieved.

In addition, the Penang Housing Board has identified 6,814 units under six urban renewal pilot projects, surpassing the initial goal of benefiting 3,000 families.