Penang built 170,000 affordable homes, targets 220,000 by 2030 — exco

• “The Penang government is deeply concerned for the people, and this is probably one of the only states that provides affordable housing for more than 50% of the population."

BATU KAWAN (Nov 11): The Penang government has provided 170,000 affordable housing (RMM) units so far to help low- and middle-income groups own homes, in line with the Penang2030 vision, targeting 220,000 housing units by 2030.

State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri S Sundarajoo said the state government is currently focused on completing the remaining 50,000 houses by 2030.

“The Penang government is deeply concerned for the people, and this is probably one of the only states that provides affordable housing for more than 50% of the population.

“If we achieve 220,000 homes, about one million people in Penang, with a total current population of 1.8 million, will benefit from affordable housing,” he said at a press conference following the Exclusive Reveal of Vivo Executive Apartment by Aspen Vision City Sdn Bhd here on Friday.

Also present were State Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, Aspen executive deputy chairman Datuk Seri Nazir Ariff, and Aspen president and group chief executive officer Datuk M Murly.

Sundarajoo noted that the affordable housing provided by the state government is priced between RM42,000 and RM250,000 a unit on the mainland, and between RM42,000 and RM300,000 on the island, with each application going through a thorough eligibility verification process, which could be time-consuming.

He added that his department is working to reduce the waiting time to expedite the process.

Sundarajoo also highlighted the challenges faced by a segment of the middle-income group who neither qualified for affordable housing nor could afford high-end condominiums, which range from RM600,000 to over a million ringgit.

Therefore, he welcomed developers like Aspen that provide medium-range condominiums.

Meanwhile, H'ng said that Penang is committed to sustainable growth while preserving its natural environment, with eco-city guidelines designed to incorporate environmental considerations into urban projects, adding that the state actively promotes initiatives that prioritise energy efficiency, green practices, and community well-being.

"Aspen Vision City exemplifies this approach, serving as a model for harmonising modern living with environmental responsibility. The construction of Vivo Executive Apartment highlights Aspen’s ongoing commitment to developing thoughtfully planned projects aligned with Penang’s sustainability goals," he said.

Priced from RM406,000, the Vivo Executive Apartment is designed to promote a balanced, sustainable lifestyle, offering residents access to over 30 amenities, including an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a basketball court, a 300m jogging path, and retail units on the ground floor.

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