Latest news with #Sundarajoo
The Star
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
New homes, with no need to move
GEORGE TOWN: Penang's first urban renewal project is valued at RM600mil – and not one of the current residents has to move out. Instead, a block comprising the 'compensation units' is being built first. Work began last month. 'Once it is completed, residents will move into their new homes and only then will the old flats be demolished,' said state housing committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo. The project is taking shape at the four-storey walk-up Mahsuri Flats, one of Penang's densest and most mature neighbourhoods in Bayan Baru, literally across the road from the Bayan Lepas Industrial Estate. A file photo showing an aerial view of Mahsuri Flats in Bayan Baru, Penang. The five blocks on the 2.6ha land will ultimately be replaced by three towers of 38, 46 and 33 storeys. The first tower – of 38-storeys – is now being built and will house the replacement homes for the 300 walk-up flat units built in 1976. While the existing units measure 250 to 500sq ft, the residents will each get new homes of 850 to 900sq ft at no extra cost, except for title processing fees and new maintenance fee rates. 'It's a win-win situation. Families get better homes, the developer benefits from marketable projects and the state recovers value from under-utilised land,' said Sundarajoo, adding that the developer is Hunza Properties Bhd. After the old flats are demolished, a 46-storey tower of affordable housing, offering 770 units of 881sq ft each, and three floors of shop offices, will be built. The final phase will see the construction of a 33-storey serviced apartment block of 133 units of 500sq ft, 137 units of 900sq ft, 140 units of 1,055sq ft and four floors of shop offices. 'The land will be redeveloped into mixed housing to increase Penang's public housing stock,' said Sundarajoo, adding that this redevelopment has a gross development value of RM597.84mil. He said four other decades-old housing areas have also been identified for urban renewal in Penang, but challenges remain. 'These projects require 100% consensus from residents. In high-density areas like Rifle Range Flats, which has over 3,000 units, temporary relocation is a major task,' he said. Penang, said Sundarajoo, has to embrace vertical growth for future housing demands due to land scarcity. 'We identified many blocks of under 12 storeys for urban renewal. It no longer makes sense to patch up decades-old buildings that do not meet modern living standards,' he said. Mahsuri flat owner Yanty@Hasny Suki, 49, is happy that she will get a new home twice the size of her current home. She now lives with her husband, three children and elderly mother in a single-room, 400sq ft unit on the third floor. 'The new 850sq ft, three-room unit we are getting is a dream come true,' she said, adding that the state is offering subsidised maintenance fees for 18 months plus assistance with moving expenses. 'This means separate rooms for my children, space for a dining table and a real kitchen. Not just a small hall for everything,' she said. Another flat owner, Neelavathi Karruppiah, who lives with her son in a two-bedroom unit, considers the compensation of a 900sq ft unit as 'a better future for her son'. 'We would have to spend around RM300,000 to buy a unit that size,' she added. Sales and marketing manager Tong Mun Keen, 50, whose parents bought their flat in 1981, said the upgrade will greatly improve his elderly mother's quality of life. 'She is 74 and lives on the third floor, and walking up is hard on her knees. With the new unit, she'll have lifts and modern facilities. 'She will be living with my sister, a single mother,' he added.
The Star
01-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘Home buyers seeking high-end units in Penang'
Sundarajoo (centre) receiving a token of appreciation from Yu (second left). With them are (from left) Teng Tong, Siang Gin and Tze Ming during the dinner at Bayan Lepas. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star PENANG'S property market, especially the high-end residential segment, has seen impressive growth over the past few years, says Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu. Citing an example, the state housing committee chairman said in the third quarter of 2024, prices for high-rise units in prime areas such as Jelutong, Gelugor, Pulau Tikus, Bayan Baru and Tanjung Bungah rose 6% to 12% year-on-year. 'The upward trend is driven by a combination of strong local demand, international investor interest, favourable currency exchange rates and anticipation of major infrastructure projects like Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Penang Silicon Island development. 'These developments are transforming Penang into a global hub for investment, talent and innovation. Guests lining up at the food stations at the Penang Insights and Networking Dinner in Bayan Lepas. 'Our strategic vision is anchored in the Penang2030 agenda, which aims to create a family-focused, green and smart state that inspires a balanced quality of life. 'Housing, as a fundamental pillar of this vision, is receiving robust attention through progressive policies and partnerships,' he said during the Penang Insights and Networking dinner. Sundarajoo, who was the guest of honour, said the state government would focus on creating a liveable, equitable and resilient Penang where every Penangite has the opportunity to own a home, thrive in a connected environment and look forward to a better future. The dinner, hosted by International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI)-Malaysia Penang branch, was held at Muze @ Penang International Commercial City (PICC) in Bayan Lepas. It was organised in conjunction with the study tour to Malaysia Property Award Winning Projects in Penang, where guests were given insights into various landmark developments and infrastructure projects in the state. FIABCI-Malaysia president Dr Yu Kee Su said the purpose of the study tour was to provide knowledge, project insights and technical details about winning developments. 'This is done while fostering networking opportunities among members, industry professionals and fraternities. 'This initiative represents just one of the many activities carried out by FIABCI Malaysia for the benefit of our members, showcasing our commitment to growth, learning and collaboration within the real estate community,' he said, adding as the only branch of FIABCI-Malaysia, the Penang chapter had contributed significantly to the development of the state's real estate sector. 'The Malaysian real estate industry as a whole continues to show resilience and positive growth, despite the challenging global landscape,' he said. Also present were FIABCI Penang branch chairman Datuk Khor Siang Gin, Hunza Group of Companies founder Datuk Seri Khor Teng Tong and Hunza Group executive director Khor Tze Ming.
Free Malaysia Today
22-04-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Penang to redevelop 3 squatter settlements into modern housing areas
S Sundarajoo said the redevelopment project is part of Penang's mission to eliminate squatter settlements and improve living conditions for residents. (Bernama pic) GEORGE TOWN : Penang is planning to redevelop three squatter settlements in Seberang Perai into modern residential areas this year. 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.
The Sun
22-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Penang to redevelop three squatter settlements
GEORGE TOWN: Penang is planning to redevelop three squatter settlements in Seberang Perai into modern residential areas this year. State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo said the redevelopment will provide the existing residents there 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 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,' he 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 is part of Penang's broader mission to achieve zero squatter settlements while ensuring improved living conditions for residents. Sundarajoo said the state government has issued a Request for Proposal for the redevelopment, however, the total cost has yet to be finalised. According to the plan, the projects will begin with the construction of relocation homes for existing residents, followed by the development of mixed housing that includes Mutiara Affordable Homes and shop lots. '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. Meanwhile, Sundarajoo also reported that as of April 20, the state has delivered 166,607 housing units, representing 75.73 percent of its target to supply 220,000 units of affordable housing by 2030. For the Rent-to-Own programme, he said 5,096 units or 23.16 percent of the 22,000-unit target have 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.
Barnama
22-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Penang To Redevelop Three Squatter Settlements
GEORGE TOWN, April 22 (Bernama) -- Penang is planning to redevelop three squatter settlements in Seberang Perai into modern residential areas this year. State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo said the redevelopment will provide the existing residents there 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 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,' he 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 is part of Penang's broader mission to achieve zero squatter settlements while ensuring improved living conditions for residents. Sundarajoo said the state government has issued a Request for Proposal for the redevelopment, however, the total cost has yet to be finalised. According to the plan, the projects will begin with the construction of relocation homes for existing residents, followed by the development of mixed housing that includes Mutiara Affordable Homes and shop lots. '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. Meanwhile, Sundarajoo also reported that as of April 20, the state has delivered 166,607 housing units, representing 75.73 percent of its target to supply 220,000 units of affordable housing by 2030.
