The Penang government has agreed to reserve 20% of land from the proposed Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project for affordable homes, says state Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo.

He said he had insisted for that reservation in order to have an adequate supply of affordable homes as the Penang population increases every year.

“The state will continue to build low-cost, low-medium cost and affordable homes even though the target of having 76,000 such units by 2025 under the election manifesto has already been surpassed,” Jagdeep told reporters after visiting the almost completed Iconic Vue in Batu Ferringhi today.

He was responding to a question from a reporter that there were claims of oversupply of these units since the housing target has already been reached.

Jagdeep said the priority of the state government was to ensure adequate supply of these units so that Penangites have a roof over their heads.

“Since 2008, 29,959 units had been built, 23,567 are being built and 48,809 have been approved to be built, bringing the total to 102,335 units.

“These units are, however, being built in stages, not overnight. There are new applicants for these housing units every day. So, there is a need to ensure adequate stock.

“For the PSR, it may take between 10 and 15 years by the time the first island is reclaimed. By 15 years time and beyond, the population in Penang would have increased. There will be a need for even more housing.

“And it would reduce our burden to look for place especially on the island where we have the scarcity of land.

“That is the plan. We’ve a plan. I insisted that 20% of land reclaimed under PSR be allocated and reserved for affordable housing. I may even ask for it to be increased. But at this point in time, that has been agreed (by the state government). The reclaimed land will be for industrial, commercial and residential purposes and even affordable housing.”

Source: Buletin Mutiara

During a recent visit to Iconic Vue affordable housing project, Jagdeep commended the developer, Iconic Group, for building the 100 percent Type C affordable homes, costing RM300,000 onwards for each unit.

He said the location of the project is strategic as Batu Ferringhi is not only famous in Penang and Malaysia but also throughout the world.

Besides that, Jagdeep complimented the developer for providing quality materials and facilities such as a swimming pool with jacuzzi, wading pool, gym, children’s playground, multi-purpose hall, bbq area and giant chess.

“This state government has managed to get the developer to build it in Batu Ferringhi. Without the government’s intervention, most developers would normally build condominiums worth millions in Batu Ferringhi and which could not be accessed by Penangites who want to buy their first home,” he said.

Also present at the press conference were Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang, Seberang Perai Municipal Council president Datuk Rozali Mohamud, Iconic Group executive directors Katherine Tan and Jason Chung, senior project manager Teoh Chiew Poh, sales and marketing manager Leonie Ang, state Housing Department director ‘Ainul Fadhilah Samsudi, senior principal assistant secretary Fakhrurrazi Ibnu Omar and principal assistant secretary Mohd Fauzy Mohd Yusoff, and also some of the buyers.

Tan said the project, which started in 2016, is now 92% complete and six months ahead of schedule.

“This project has only 232 units, the lowest density affordable homes in town. We have sold 228 units. We provide good quality which is similar to condominium specification,” Tan said, adding that they are now expecting the state Housing Department to issue a Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) supporting letter by September.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

About City of Dreams

A freehold luxury lifestyle development at Seri Tanjung Pinang. The residential units come with size ranging from 1,000 sq.ft. onwards, with a well equipped kitchen accessories. Resident can also enjoy a wide range of luxury facilities such as private lift, private lobby, yacht services, Rolls Royce limousine, private bowling alley, private cinema, sky lounge, sky pool and many more.

Find out more about City of Dreams

Penang’s rent-to-own (RTO) housing units that have been rolled out to assist the hardcore poor involve a total of five projects in the state so far.

State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said four projects are on the mainland while another is on the island.

The five projects are Taman Seruling Emas and Taman Sungai Duri Permai in South Seberang Perai, Permatang Tok Subuh in Central Seberang Perai, K-Park in Southwest district and Taman Seri Desa in Tasek Gelugor. There are a total of 1,037 units for the projects.

Jagdeep said RTO scheme was meant to help those who could not afford to even buy low-cost units due to high loan rejection rate.

He pointed out that applicants with household monthly income below RM2,000 are eligible to apply for these RTO units.

“This scheme allows the tenants to become owners after renting the unit.

“Therefore, we are now emphasising this RTO initiative to help the poor,” he said at a press conference in Taman Seri Desa, Tasek Gelugor, today.

Jagdeep was speaking to reporters after making a site visit to check on the progress of the construction of 64 units of landed houses under RTO scheme.

He said the units, with a 650sq ft build-up area, are expected to be completed by October this year.

“It will be a month ahead of schedule,” he said, adding that the unit would be sold starting from RM42,000.

Source: Buletin Butiara

The number of stratified residential properties offering short-term home-sharing or rentals seem to be rising in Penang even though the practice is deemed illegal by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).

Interviews with several Airbnb operators showed even developers with unsold units would furnish them and rent them out for holidays.

“It’s now common, especially in newly-built condos, ” said Ching, a former home-sharing operator.

Another operator, S.H. Tan, said as far as Airbnb operators understood it, there were no issues if the residential property joint management bodies (JMBs) allowed them.

However, a check with MBPP showed no such policy exists.

“It is still illegal to rent out a residential property like a hotel.

“But we are waiting for the state government to issue guidelines on regulating home-sharing operators, ” said a city councillor who declined to be named.

At the state level, a source revealed that regulating home-sharing operators was “not so easy”.

“The National Land Code clearly states that property owners have the right to enjoy rental income from their properties.

“The Code, which is equal to an Act of Parliament, does not restrict tenancy to short or long terms.

“Any regulation we attempt to draft must conform with the Code, or it will breach property owner’s rights, ” the source said.

The Malaysian Association of Hotels Penang chairman Khoo Boo Lim said the government must speed up efforts to regulate home-sharing.

He said he found many instances where tourists who chose home-sharing in Penang felt cheated after they found JMBs barring them from using facilities such as pools.

“It is bad for tourism and tarnishes the state’s image, ” he said.

One such tourist, Spanish visitor Elena Guasch Pescuer, wrote an open letter on July 8 sharing her unhappy experience of renting a condominium in Bukit Gambir.

She described feeling cheated because although the pictures of the place showed a beautiful swimming pool, her family and her were denied access to it.

Adding that short-term rentals of residential homes were particularly damaging to many hotels classified as four stars and below, Khoo called on the state government to regulate home-sharing to safeguard the tourism experience in Penang.

Penang Hoteliers Association and the Malaysian Budget Hotel Association Penang Chapter chairman Datuk Lim Mee Lee said cheaper hotels have been hit hard.

“We have many regulations to follow but home-sharing operators don’t have to worry about anything.

“We must not let this continue.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said his ministry was working with the Malaysian Productivity Centre, trade organisations and other agencies to draft guidelines for local authorities to regulate home-sharing.

“Home-sharing was made possible through technology, and like many disruptive technologies, it is growing faster than regulation.

“So, we are racing with it and we welcome local authorities to take steps to regulate home-sharing themselves, ” he said.

Source: TheStar.com.my

A total of 2,093 buyers of The Rise affordable housing near S.P Chelliah Road here will soon receive their keys as final clean-up work is being carried out by the developer, Zubicon Sdn. Bhd.

Housing, Town and Country Planning and Local Government Committee chairman, Jagdeep Singh Deo, when informed of the matter, expressed his excitement when the project, developed over three years ago, became a reality and boasted that it had amenities like those in luxury condos.

“I understand that the project will be delivered to buyers by the end of this month, and now the developer is in the final phase of cleaning and sales have reached 99 percent of the total 2,093 units.

“What’s exciting about this is the Affordable Housing (RMM) project located in the heart of George Town with various amenities such as a children’s and adult swimming pool, playground, gym and resource center.

“These facilities are not ours (the State Government) which demands that they are not in the guidelines, but this is a gift from the developer,” he said, joking that the RMM project may be the first in a country to have such facilities with the sale unit price beginning. RM200,000.

Jagdeep also praised Zubicon’s efforts to obtain a Green Building Index (GBI) rating for both projects (KSR and RMM).

A newly proposed commercial development by Pin Da Development Sdn. Bhd. in the heart of George Town. It is strategically located along Jalan Anson, about 15 minutes walk from KOMTAR. The land parcel is currently occupied by Oldtile Enterprise Sdn. Bhd.

The proposed development plan will see the construction of a 30-storey hotel with 248 rooms. It will also feature commercial spaces located at level 8-11 and 30.

More details to be avaialble upon project approval.

Project  Name : (To be confirmed)
Location : George Town
Property Type : Commercial
Built-up Area : (To be confirmed)
Total Units : 248 rooms
Developer : Pin Da Development Sdn. Bhd.

Location Map:

Now that the HOC has received the nod to extend its campaign and seamless benefits until the end of December by many, make your way down to the Affordable Homes, Primary & Secondary Market at the PECC (Sunway Carnival Mall Level 4) on the 23rd to the 25th August 2019 (Friday – Sunday) from 10am to 10pm.

If your urge to own a home is vigorous, then keep gauging as the doors will be opened with the best housing deals, trustable government housing schemes, and a feasible access for better financing aids. Everything that you need to know is right here!

The Penang Development Corporation (PDC) has commenced the construction of a building to cater to the current demand for office and work spaces after the proposed RM1.3 billion Business Process Outsourcing Prime (BPO Prime) project has been shelved.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the smaller project would be located beside the current PDC headquarters in Bayan Baru.

“It will be known as GBS@Mahsuri.

“The initial BPO Prime project was supposed to be sited at the current PDC headquarters. The plan was to tear down the PDC headquarters for the BPO Prime project.

However, the BPO Prime project has been shelved.

“Nevertheless, we are still seeing interest from relevant parties with regard to office and work spaces. Hence, we are working on a smaller scale project to cater to the business needs.

“The Mayang Mall in Bayan Baru has already run out of office space,” Chow told a press conference at his office today.

It was reported that PDC had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Temasek Holdings Pte Ltd on May 23, 2014, to undertake the development of BPO Prime in Bayan Baru and the Penang International Technology Park (PITP) in Batu Kawan. The BPO Prime was to be managed by the Economic Development Innovations Singapore Pte Ltd (EDIS) once its completed.

It was also reported that the BPO Prime project was shelved due to the soft market.

Chow said that there was no earthwork done for the BPO Prime project.

“There was no holding cost assumed by PDC for the BPO Prime project and there was no exit fee which had to be paid to EDIS.

“The abortive cost for PDC was RM8 million, which includes the engagement of consultants and other works done,” Chow said.

He added that there were no losses incurred by PDC in relation to the aborted deal.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

The National Home Ownership Campaign (HOC) initiated by the government to promote home ownership in Malaysia. The campaign is expected to run until 31 December 2019. During this period, home buyers will enjoy stamp duties exemptions on Sale & Purchase Agreement (SPA) and Loan Agreement. A minimum of 10% discount from the purchasing price will also be offered by the projects listed under the scheme.

Eligibility for Exemption

• Only ‘residential properties’, defined as houses, condominium units, apartments and flats including service apartments built and used as dwelling houses – with valid Developer’s Licence (DL) and Advertisement and Sale Permit (AP) or CCC (where applicable) are eligible to register, all other property types are not included in this exercise;
• The service apartment must be for residential use only and cannot be converted for commercial activities;
• Property price : RM300,001 to RM2.5 million (before discount);
• It must be a sale from a developer to a purchaser or co-purchasers, all of whom are Malaysian citizens;
• The stamp duty exemptions are applicable for the purchase of residential unit/s for Sale & Purchase Agreement executed between 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019;
• A minimum of 10% discount (from selling price) is applicable to all units that are not subjected to government price control.
• Eligible properties in Peninsular Malaysia must be registered with REHDA Malaysia.
• The stamp duty exemption is applicable to the following in relation to the purchase of residential property by an individual Malaysian citizen:

Sale & Purchase Agreement (SPA)

Loan Agreement

FULL LIST OF HOC PROJECTS IN PENANG

The Penang State Government is still looking at various options on the mode of public transport deemed the most suitable for the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (pictured) said the state government has yet to decide which mode would be most suitable, be it light rail transit (LRT), monorail or other options.

“We haven’t decided yet. Even the LRT conditional approval states that has to be an elevated system. It is in the condition. LRT can, monorail also can,” he told reporters after opening the Penang Signature Gold Fair (PSG) 2019, here two days ago.

He said this when asked whether the state government has decided on the mode of public transport for the PTMP.

The PTMP is a state-initiated project costing an estimated RM46 billion and features an undersea tunnel linking the island to the mainland, highways, LRT, monorail as well as extensive bus connectivity on both the island and the mainland.

Source: Bernama

The Garden, the third and also the final phase of Island Resort development scheme by Ivory Properties Group at Batu Ferringhi. Strategically located along Jalan Batu Ferringhi, The Garden is just mere feet away from the renowned Miami beach as well as just a short drive to Penang’s famous tourist belt of Batu Ferringhi.

With an estimated GDV of RM250 million, the development components include serviced apartments and commercial lots. It is currently in the planning stage and is scheduled to be launched in the last quarter of 2020.

Project  Name : The Garden
Location : Island Resort, Batu Ferringhi
Property Type : Mixed development
Built-up Area : (to be confirmed)
Total Units : (to be confirmed)
Tenure : Freehold
Developer : Ivory Properties Group

Location Map:

A proposed commercial development by Fenley Development Sdn. Bhd. at Butterworth. Strategically located off the ever-bustling Jalan Raja Uda, right next to the exit from Butterworth Outer Ring Road (BORR). It will only take 5 minutes drive to Penang Sentral, less than 15 minutes to Penang Bridge.

This development will see the demolition of existing factory building for the construction of a commercial tower, featuring 70 units serviced suites and 4 units of shop offices at ground level. Residents facilities will be located at the rooftop.

The project is still pending for approval. More details to be available upon project approval.

Project Name : (To be confirmed)
Location : Raja Uda, Butterworth
Property Type : Commercial
Built-up Area : (To be confirmed)
Total Units : 70 (suites), 4 (shop offices)
Developer : Fenley Development Sdn. Bhd.

Location Map:

The current unrest and chaos in Hong Kong may create more business and property sale opportunities in Penang, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

He said Penang had always been a destination for investment, tourism and business.

“In light of the problems in Hong Kong, we may see more businesses moving into Penang.

“It is still too early to say whether there will be relocation of some Hong Kong-based businesses to Penang.

“However, it has been reported that there is increased interest from Hong Kong for property in Malaysia, including Penang.

“I understand people in Hong Kong may be concerned over their future due to the unrest in recent weeks.

“Penang is always a preferred destination for many foreign investors and property buyers.

“I am sure our private sector including the property market will do the needful to attract them,” he said at a press conference at his office in Komtar recently.

Chow was responding to a question raised by the media about the possibility of businesses from Hong Kong moving to Penang in the long-term.

The demonstrations in Hong Kong against a controversial extradition bill began more than 10 weeks ago

It has since evolved into wider concerns about democracy in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory.

Mass sit-ins at the airport have led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights.

Source: TheStar.com.my

The Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) is a comprehensive five-in-one transport blueprint consisting of light rail transit (LRT)/monorail, ferries, taxis, buses and water taxis to meet Penang’s needs over the next 50 years.

The Bayan Lepas LRT (BL LRT) is the first urban rail line to be built under the PTMP. It serves as the North-South public transport corridor and will form the backbone of rail transit on Penang Island.

The implementation of the PTMP demonstrates the State Government’s commitment to provide better and well-connected public transportation services, improve the standard of living for Penangites and turn Penang into an ideal business and tourism destination.

The PTMP aims to progressively increase the public transport modal share to 40% in the long term and will act as a major catalyst for Penangites to use public transport in an effort to reduce congestion.

The LRT network provides direct airport transit from the Penang International Airport to major destinations on Penang Island as well as future connectivity to the mainland. It will be served by a systematic feeder service network within a 3km radius to ferry commuters to and from the stations.

Bayan Lepas LRT

The BL LRT line will run from George Town to the Penang International Airport, terminating at the future Penang South Reclamation (PSR) Smart City.

The proposed alignment is 29.9km, of which 21.3km runs within Penang Island from Komtar to Permatang Damar Laut. Out of a total of 27 stations, 19 will be built on the island, with the rest to be built on the manmade islands in the south.

VENUES AND SCHEDULES

FACTS & FIGURES

PROJECT TIMELINE

Elevated Alignment

The elevated alignment of the BL LRT will be built on guideways supported by piers. The height of the guideway depends on various factors such as the terrain on which it is built and whether it has to span over roads.

Construction Method

The construction methods used for the BL LRT project are designed to be cost-effective and relatively quick to shorten the construction period; minimise traffic disruption and reduce risks to public safety. The main activities include utilities relocation; and viaduct, elevated station and depot constructions. Viaducts will generally be built either on the median or side of the road. Construction is expected to commence in the third quarter of 2020.A detailed Traffic Management Plan will be implemented by the appointed contractor throughout the construction period.

Source: PTMP Official website

The Penang branch of the Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA) has asked that the government extend the incentives under its Home Ownership Campaign (HOC) to encompass the secondary market.

MIEA Penang chairman Christina Choong said house buyers were given stamp duty exemption under the HOC but this only applied for the primary market.

“We hope the same incentive, stamp duty exemption, be extended to the secondary market which are existing properties being sold by owners instead of by developers,” she said in a joint press conference with state exco Jagdeep Singh Deo to announce its secondary property exhibition next month.

The secondary market refers to previously owned properties while the primary market refers to new properties by developers.

She said the stamp duty exemption under the HOC was mainly for the primary market and the exemption only applied for properties priced below RM300,000 in the secondary market.

She said some first-time homebuyers prefer to buy from the secondary market due to location and the immediate availability of property.

“They will have to fork out a higher deposit amount so we hope that there are incentives to help the secondary market too,” she said.

Choong said it is hard to determine the number of secondary units left unsold in the market.

“According to data from the Valuation and Property Services Department, there are about 3,000 overhang units priced above RM400,000 in the secondary market in Penang,” she said.

She also hoped the state would consider extending its approval fee exemption for foreign property buyers to the secondary market.

Jagdeep, who is housing development committee chairman, said he will bring up MIEA’s request for the approval fee exemption to be extended to second-hand properties.

In efforts to spur its property market, Penang had moved to exempt an approval fee of three per cent for foreign buyers who purchase properties in the state.

The exemption, initially until June, was extended until the end of the year and only applied for the primary market.

Choong also called on the government to tighten enforcement against unlicensed and unregistered real estate agents.

“The number of illegal agents is alarming so something must be done to stop them,” she said.

She also warned the public that these unregistered brokers do not have a governing body so there was no avenue for recource if the deal went wrong.

She added that homebuyers and sellers may lose their properties and money due to fraudulent transactions by these unregistered brokers who may not be easy to track down.

The Malaysian Secondary Property Exhibition (Maspex) Penang will be held from September 19 to 22 at Queensbay Mall.

Choong said thousands of second-hand properties including residential, commercial and retail will be for sale during the event.

Source: MalayMail.com

Bank Negara Malaysia’s easing of eligibility requirements for its RM1 billion Fund for Affordable Homes should lead to at least a 20% increase in home loan approvals for first-time homebuyers, said Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.

He added that it will help first-time homebuyers see a 20% reduction in their monthly housing loan repayments amid an extended repayment duration to 40 years from the previous 30 years under the fund.

“We hope it will be easier for homebuyers to obtain a loan. If monthly repayment is reduced by 20%, more people will be able to purchase a home and I expect this will lead to a similar 20% increase in homeownership,” said Lim at a joint press conference with Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin after the Budget 2020 focus group meeting here today.

“But it also depends on the individual or household financial position,” he added.

The central bank said yesterday that it is increasing the maximum monthly household income requirement to RM4,360, while the maximum property price has been increased to RM300,000.

The increment is from the previously stipulated maximum monthly household income of RM2,300, while the maximum property price was RM150,000.

Successful applicants will also enjoy a concessionary interest rate of 3.5% per annum with a repayment duration of 40 years, along with full stamp duty exemption on sales and purchase agreement; and on the financing agreement.

The new eligibility criteria will take effect from Sept 1, 2019.

What is Affordable Homes Fund?

A housing fund by BNM to facilitate homeownership in Malaysia. The scheme is introduced to assist first-time house buyers and youths to purchase a home.

Eligibility (Sept 1, 2019)

• Individuals aged 18 years and above.
• Malaysian citizens only.
• First time home buyers only.
• Household gross income not exceeding RM4,360
• Property price of up to RM300,000

You may contact the participating financial institutions for further information:

• AmBank (M) Berhad (AmBank) 03-2178 8888
• Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) 1-300 88 1900
• CIMB Bank Berhad (CIMB) 03-6204 7788
• Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank) 1-300 88 6688
• RHB Bank Berhad (RHB) 03-9206 8118 (West Malaysia); 082-276118 (East Malaysia)

Or contact BNMTELELINK at 1-300-88-5465 (LINK).

Source: EdgeProp.my

S P Setia, the leading property developer in Malaysia, will once again be making a record-breaking success in the established neighbourhood of Kepala Batas with their mega international township development, Setia Fontaines. Located at Bertam, Setia Fontaines encompasses an impressive prime land of 1,675 acres, with an exclusive 16 residential development phases where a total of 12,000 units residential homes will be built, including terrace, semi detached, linked semi detached and bungalow houses.

Setia Fontaines, the first ever township in Malaysia to feature a 63 acres man-made lake with 100m width musical fountain, capable of reaching a heights of 60m up-to-the-air along with 37-acres central park that offers its residents ample amount of green area, is assured to be the next eye-catcher development in Malaysia.

Setia International WaterFront Centre, the heart of Setia Fontaines, will features various upcoming commercial developments such as hotels, medical centre, shopping malls, office towers, conventions centres and more.  An al-fresco dining experience, overlooking the vast lake and the musical fountain, will also be featured.

Amansara South, the first phase residential development in Setia Fontaines, consists of 394 units of both single and double storey terrace homes. Exclusively crafted for those looking to own their first dream landed home, with a subtle touch of Nusantara elements.

Amansara South is set to be one of the most affordably priced landed home in Seberang Perai with spacious land area of 22ft x 70ft, and a minimum built-up area of 1,336 sq.ft. for the single storey terrace ; and 1,835 sq.ft. for the double storey terrace. The single and double storey home are competitively priced from RM320,000 and RM420,000 respectively.

Additional features that can be found in Amansara South includes-

1. 50 ft width access road ( standard housing development only has 40 ft width)
2. Underground cable facility for TNB & PBA
3. Fibre to home (unifi ready)
4. A total of 3.7 acres of green area, with 10 features and lifestyle facilities
5. Internal Courtyard (AS Joy) for better lighting and ventilation

Your dream to own a landed home of your choice is about to come true!!

The soft launching of Amansara South will be held on 24^th August 2019 at Setia Fontaines Welcome Centre in Bertam, from 11am to 5 pm.

• Sales Package include:-
  • 1 % low booking fees to own a landed home of your choice*
  • Enjoy BIG savings*
  • RM 10,000 move-in bonus*

*  Terms & Conditions apply

• Activities on that day include:-
  • Setia Lucky Spin & Lucky Draw, attractive prices awaits, including Starbucks Merchandises, Shopping Vouchers and the much awaited Grand Lucky Draw of RM 3k, 2k & 1k.
  • Sumptuous and mouth-watering foods and beverages
  • Exciting stage performances, kids activities and more

Setia Fontaines Welcome Centre
No. 65 & 67, Persiaran Seksyen 4/7,
Bandar Putera Bertam,
13200 Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang.

Tel  : +604 576 2255
Fax : +604 575 0055

For illustration only

Transport Minister Anthony Loke today gave a commitment that the systems upgrade for the Penang ferry service, will begin next year.

The upgrading project to be undertaken by Prasarana Malaysia Bhd (Prasarana), the owner and operator of transportation services in the country, will include the introduction of catamarans apart from establishing a tourist ferry service by using existing ferries.

“I very much understand that existing ferries have sentimental value to Penangites, so our plan is to transform these ferries into tourist ferries such as those in Bangkok,” he said, adding that about two to three of the existing ferries would continue to be used to transport vehicles.

Speaking to reporters after the launching ceremony for Prasarana’s Mutiara Pass, Loke said the ministry had allocated RM90 million for the upgrading project but the disbursement of the funds was postponed until the legalities concerning the previous and existing ferry operators were settled.

In the meantime, Loke said Prasarana would source for funding internally to cover the cost of the upgrade and the purchase of the catamarans, as the ministry had given Prasarana its approval to go ahead with the project.

Loke had earlier launched the Mutiara Pass which provides for unlimited journeys on the Rapid Penang bus service and the Penang ferry over a 30-day period.

He said based on the successful reception of the My100 and My50 unlimited passes among commuters in the Klang Valley, the federal government had made arrangements to launch a second phase by introducing the passes to Penang.

The Mutiara Pass system will become effective on Sept 1, while the sale of the passes began on Aug 20.

The minister added that the pass system will be expanded to other states in the future, owing to the fact that transportation in the country was heading towards a cashless system.

Rapid Penang which receives a total of 16 million passengers on a yearly basis and an average of about 75,000 passengers every day based on statistics until July this year, operates with 404 buses plying a total of 71 routes.

Rapid Ferry in turn, which operates through six ferries stationed at two jetties, receives a total of 865,559 passengers and 762,498 vehicles every year, and until July this year, recorded a daily average of 3,696 passengers and 3,112 vehicles.

Source: Bernama

Sena Mas, the very first affordable landed housing in Penang by PTL Properties Sdn. Bhd. It is located within Tasek Gelugor township, easily accessible via Jalan Tasek Gelugor. This development is just stone’s throw away from Setia Fontaines mega township development by SP Setia, about 10 minutes drive to North-south Expressway Bertam interchange.

This will be a gated affordable housing scheme, offering 338 units of 2-storey townhouses. 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 : Sena Mas
Location : Tasek Gelugor
Property Type : Affordable housing (townhouse)
Tenure: (to be confirmed)
Total Units : 338
Indicative Price : RM250,000
Developer : PTL Properties Sdn. Bdh.

Location Map: