Penang: Penang is set to redevelop three squatter settlements in Seberang Perai into modern residential areas this year. The initiative aims to improve living conditions for residents by providing larger and more comfortable homes at no cost.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo announced that the redevelopment projects will focus on Kampung Manis, Kampung Main Road in Perai, and Kampung Ujung Batu in Bagan Dalam. These areas collectively house hundreds of residents who have all agreed to the redevelopment plan. The settlements, some established illegally decades ago, will be transformed as part of Penang’s mission to eliminate squatter settlements.

Sundarajoo revealed that a Request for Proposal has been issued for the redevelopment, though the total cost is still under consideration. The plan includes building relocation homes for current residents before developing mixed housing, which will feature Mutiara Affordable Homes and commercial shop lots. Priority will be given to Kampung Manis and Kampung Ujung Batu, which will undergo transformation under the Rumah Mutiara MADANI initiative.

He noted that the state has delivered 166,607 housing units, accounting for 75.73 percent of its goal to provide 220,000 affordable housing units by 2030. Additionally, the Rent-to-Own programme has achieved 23.16 percent of its target, with 5,096 units delivered.

The Penang Housing Board has also surpassed its initial goal for urban renewal projects, identifying 6,814 units across six pilot projects, benefiting more than the targeted 3,000 families.