Ladang byram: This year’s Deepavali celebration holds special meaning for the residents of Ladang Byram, as they have received the keys to newly built replacement homes from the Penang government.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the residents were excited and happy about celebrating the Festival of Lights this year in more comfortable homes than their decades-old previous residence in the Ladang Byram estate. A resident, S. Malliga, 61, expressed her joy in celebrating Deepavali in a new house in the resettlement of Ladang Byram, known as Taman Byram Baru, after 40 years of living in the estate. She thanked the state government for providing the house and shared her anticipation of moving in.
Malliga was interviewed at the launch of the Byram Estate Resettlement Project, officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and attended by Nibong Tebal Member of Parliament Fadhlina Sidek, also the Minister of Education. Another recipient, A. Selvadorai, 48, along with his wife and four children, shared their eagerness to move into their new home for Deepavali, hoping it would bring them more happiness.
F. Edward Raja, 47, mentioned preparations and shopping for the Deepavali celebration, which will include a housewarming party. He and his siblings plan to celebrate together in the new house with their parents, expressing gratitude to the state government for the promised home.
Meanwhile, Chow highlighted that the RM18.4 million project includes 68 terraced houses, a two-storey school building, and a single-storey temple with basic facilities for the local community. The state government offered replacement housing to 72 families, placing 66 in Taman Byram Baru and six in Taman Kalidonia Indah Phase 2, addressing the long-standing pollution issues from the Pulau Burung Landfill affecting the residents and schooling at SJKT Ladang Byram.
To tackle these issues, the state government allocated 3.52 hectares of land in Nibong Tebal through the Chief Minister’s Incorporated (CMI), with the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) as project manager. The offer price for intermediate and corner lot house units is RM42,000 and RM50,000, respectively, with a “Rent-to-Own” scheme at a monthly payment of RM200 to assist home ownership.
Chow added that beyond housing, the state government focused on community and religious development. Two housing units were offered to the Chapel Association for worship at a nominal rate, supporting the Christian community. The new school building will be handed over to the SJKT Ladang Byram board, ensuring children receive quality education in a conducive environment.