Latest news with #SeberangPeraiCityCouncil
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Housing discount for Indian Muslims won't affect Bumiputera quota
GEORGE TOWN: The offer of a five per cent discount for first-time homebuyers from the Indian Muslim community in Penang does not involve units under the Bumiputera quota and does not affect any existing home ownership policies, said state executive councillor Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo. Sundarajoo, who is in charge of housing and environment, said the initiative is part of efforts to expand home ownership opportunities in the open market, particularly for groups with low participation rates, without affecting the rights of other communities. "This discount is being offered as a form of corporate social responsibility by developers and does not involve any financial support or subsidy from the state government. "The state government would like to emphasise that all existing housing policies, including the Bumiputera quota and various incentives for first-time homebuyers, remain intact and will continue to be enforced," he said in a statement today in response to criticism from several quarters regarding the discount. Last Thursday, Sundarajoo announced a five per cent discount incentive for the Indian Muslim community for the purchase of residential and commercial units under the Madani Home Ownership Campaign (MOC), which is effective from June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026. Other initiatives include the introduction of a special housing category, Rumah MutiaraKu Type D (RMKu D), with a maximum price of RM400,000, and a reduction in contribution rates for developers who do not physically build RMKu Type A or B units — from RM120,000 to RM100,000 in areas under the Penang Island City Council, and from RM120,000 to RM72,500 under the Seberang Perai City Council. Sundarajoo said the five per cent discount is an additional measure complementing various existing programmes already in place to meet housing needs in the state. He said that it is an intervention to help reinvigorate the property sector following discussions and consensus among housing industry stakeholders, taking into account the growing concern over the oversupply of non-affordable units in Penang. "According to the Q4 2024 Penang State Property Market Report issued by the National Property Information Centre, 2,796 residential units were identified as overhang, involving various types of properties across the state," he said. In addition to improving housing accessibility, he said the initiative also aims to revitalise the property sector affected by rising construction and labour costs, in line with the state government's aspiration to achieve more balanced, sustainable and inclusive development in Penang.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Housing discount for Indian Muslims won't affect bumiputera quota
JOHOR BAHRU: The offer of a five per cent discount for first-time homebuyers from the Indian Muslim community in Penang does not involve units under the Bumiputera quota and does not affect any existing home ownership policies, said state executive councillor Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo. Sundarajoo, who is in charge of housing and environment, said the initiative is part of efforts to expand home ownership opportunities in the open market, particularly for groups with low participation rates, without affecting the rights of other communities. 'This discount is being offered as a form of corporate social responsibility by developers and does not involve any financial support or subsidy from the state government. 'The state government would like to emphasise that all existing housing policies, including the Bumiputera quota and various incentives for first-time homebuyers, remain intact and will continue to be enforced,' he said in a statement today in response to criticism from several quarters regarding the discount. Last Thursday, Sundarajoo announced a five per cent discount incentive for the Indian Muslim community for the purchase of residential and commercial units under the MADANI Home Ownership Campaign (MOC), which is effective from June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026. Other initiatives include the introduction of a special housing category, Rumah MutiaraKu Type D (RMKu D), with a maximum price of RM400,000, and a reduction in contribution rates for developers who do not physically build RMKu Type A or B units — from RM120,000 to RM100,000 in areas under the Penang Island City Council, and from RM120,000 to RM72,500 under the Seberang Perai City Council. Sundarajoo said the five per cent discount is an additional measure complementing various existing programmes already in place to meet housing needs in the state. He explained that it is an intervention to help reinvigorate the property sector following discussions and consensus among housing industry stakeholders, taking into account the growing concern over the oversupply of non-affordable units in Penang. 'According to the Q4 2024 Penang State Property Market Report issued by the National Property Information Centre, 2,796 residential units were identified as overhang, involving various types of properties across the state,' he said. In addition to improving housing accessibility, he said the initiative also aims to revitalise the property sector affected by rising construction and labour costs, in line with the state government's aspiration to achieve more balanced, sustainable and inclusive development in Penang.
The Sun
4 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Nibong Tebal historical timeline launched
NIBONG TEBAL: A cultural mapping initiative that started in 2024 culminated yesterday in the launch of a cultural assets map, a historical timeline of Nibong Tebal and a collection of oral histories in various forms. The map, published in the form of illustrated booklets and infographic posters, will be distributed to schools, surau, temples and community centres in the district. Arts and education organisation Arts-Ed project manager Chen Yoke Pin said the initiative provides visibility to less-known cultural assets in Nibong Tebal. 'Our aim is to increase inclusivity and build bridges among local communities through a common appreciation of shared heritage.' The initiative, known as Projek Warisan Budaya Nibong Tebal, was a participatory cultural mapping effort that documented the unique identity of the district through the voice of its people. Since November 2024, the project has engaged residents from four sectors – the fishing community of Sungai Udang, residents and school communities in the old town, estate workers from Byram Estate and padi farmers and inshore fishermen in Sungai Acheh. Through fieldwork, interviews and workshops, a six-member team worked closely with locals to identify and document both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, from family-run traditional food businesses and community traditions to forgotten landmarks and folk tales. 'It was a very special (opportunity) for local community members to share their own stories of growing up and living here. The inputs are not just data, but a testament to a participatory process that has strengthened their sense of ownership and identity related to Nibong Tebal,' Chen said. The launch was officiated by state executive councillor for Local Government, Town and Country Planning Jason M.L. H'ng, who is also Jawi state assemblyman. Also present were Seberang Perai City Council department of sustainable development director Normaira Abdul Rahman and representatives from urban transformation and community reinvigoration organisation Think City. H'ng highlighted that heritage is not only about old buildings or tourist attractions but about the meaning people attach to places, which are 'increasingly eroded by development and modernisation'. 'By mapping tangible and intangible cultural heritage, including the old town area, nearby estates and the villages in Sungai Acheh and Sungai Udang, this project helps us reconnect with our cultural roots and local history,' he said. He said urban planning should not be limited to physical development or the delineation of residential zones, adding that it must also take into account the preservation of spirit, identity and the narrative of a place that shapes the uniqueness of each community. 'Small towns such as Nibong Tebal are treasures rich in cultural values, collective memory and local wisdom. All of these deserve to be elevated as the foundation for future development that is more rooted and resilient.' H'ng, who was born and raised in Nibong Tebal, said when residents are given the space and trust to map their life stories, heritage and cultural assets, the outcome is more than just information or data. 'It becomes a process of empowerment that strengthens the sense of ownership, identity and connection to their place of origin.' During the launch, guests also enjoyed community-prepared dishes such as sakkarai pongal (sweet rice pudding), som tam (Thai green papaya salad) and kuih kalakatar (Banjarese coconut custard). The project was funded through the Seberang Perai Small Town Grants administered by Think City with support from the Finance Ministry, Penang government and the Seberang Perai City Council. Access to the cultural assets map is available at
Malay Mail
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Penang exco calls for clear policy on construction of non-Islamic places of worship
GEORGE TOWN, May 20 — The Penang state government needs to establish a clear policy regarding the construction or renovation of non-Islamic places of worship in the state, said state executive councillor Lim Siew Khim. The social, welfare, and non-Islamic affairs committee chairman said such a policy would make it mandatory for places of worship (RIBI) to apply for planning permission and building plan approvals through the state's One-Stop Centre. 'This is to ensure that the building design, structure, and location adhere to the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) and the approved land use plan,' she said in response to a question by Amir Hamzah Abdul Hashim (PAS–Permatang Pasir). As of May, Penang has a total of 136 illegal RIBI, with 115 on the island and 21 in Seberang Perai, Lim revealed. She said the number of illegal RIBI has decreased due to continuous monitoring and updates by both city councils. 'Between 2023 and 2024, a total of 43 illegal RIBI were identified by the Seberang Perai City Council, while the Penang Island City Council recorded 149 sites,' she said. Lim added that the state government will continue holding engagement sessions with RIBI association representatives to emphasise the importance of submitting official applications before constructing or renovating structures. 'The state government's approach includes collaborating with the Registrar of Societies (RoS) to encourage every RIBI to register their information so that the state has an official record of their existence,' she said. On enforcement, Lim said action was taken against six illegal structures, most of which were small shrines or structures encroaching on government reserve land. The six structures include one in North Seberang Perai, two in Central Seberang Perai, two in South Seberang Perai, and one in the northeast district of the island.
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Nasi kandar restaurant shut down over squalid conditions
BUTTERWORTH: A nasi kandar restaurant here has been ordered to close immediately for conducting business in an extremely unhygienic environment during an operation codenamed "Op Bersepadu", carried out by the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP). The local council said the exercise conducted yesterday was led by the MBSP Department of Health Services, in collaboration with the MBSP Enforcement Directorate and the North Seberang Perai District Health Office (PKD). "Among the actions taken was the immediate closure of the premises under the Food Act 1983, issued by the North Seberang Perai PKD after it was found that the cleanliness level of the premises was at a concerning level. "In addition, four compounds amounting to RM4,000 and two notices for offences of placing obstructions in public areas and failing to produce valid work visas for foreign workers were also issued to the restaurant owner," it said in a statement on Facebook. It said that the operation indicates the authorities' full commitment to ensuring cleanliness, safety, and legal compliance at food premises is upheld to the highest standard. "Furthermore, all food premises operators are urged to consistently comply with relevant laws and ensure their premises remain clean, safe, and in line with established standards for the wellbeing of the community," it added.
