GEORGE TOWN, February 1 — Penang is taking firm measures to address RM17.7 million in accumulated arrears from People’s Housing Project (PPR) and public housing units, some dating back to the 1970s. State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu said the state will update its tenant database and reclaim units from those exceeding the RM1,500 household income limit or holding long-term arrears.
Tenants with over three months of unpaid rent will receive notices, with legal action for arrears surpassing a year. Sundarajoo added that exceptions would be made for genuine hardship cases, such as tenants with disabilities or no income. Alongside these measures, the state rebranded its affordable housing initiative as Rumah Mutiaraku and introduced stricter eligibility guidelines for open-market affordable housing, limiting buyers to households earning below RM20,000 monthly.
