GEORGE TOWN, June 23 — The Local Government Development Ministry (KPKT) has approved an allocation of RM211.405 million for 41 projects in Penang under its Sentuhan Kasih Sayang programme.

Its minister Nga Kor Ming today said the amount is the largest allocation for the People’s Housing Project (PPR) in Penang’s history to build 1,000 units in the state.

“The state has offered five lots of land so KPKT has agreed to allocate RM200 million to build PPR units, one project in Seberang Perai and another on the island,” he said in his speech here.

He said the allocation will double the number of PPR units in the state; Penang currently has 999.

He told a news conference later that his ministry will send a technical team to look at the plots of land offered by the state.

“We will be discussing with the state government on the concept of the development to build condo-quality PPR housing, but the units will be sold at RM45,000 per unit,” he said.

He promised that the federal government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who introduced the Malaysia Madani concept, will not sideline any state even if it was ruled by a different coalition.

He added that state allocations will be distributed equally, including to Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu that are currently held by PAS.

Penang state executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo who was also present at the same news conference said the new PPR units would be located in Jelutong on the island, and Kepala Batas on the mainland.

He said the PPR projects have priority, and that planning permission is expected to be approved by the end of this year.

“Works are expected to start next year and the projects are expected to complete in 2027 or 2028,” Jagdeep said.

Nga said eligible buyers can purchase the PPR units using housing loans, adding that a rent-to-own scheme will be available to those who are unable to get loans.

The minister also announced an allocation of RM9.62 million for 29 projects under Public Housing Maintenance Programme (PPP) and Malaysia Low Cost Housing Maintenance Fund (TPPM).

The allocations will go towards maintenance, upgrading of roofs and elevators of low cost and low medium cost housing in Penang.

Additionally, RM1 million was allocated to upgrade the Taman Tun Sardon food court and RM785,000 were allocated for nine small scale projects, including building 45 MyKiosks.

Nga was asked about the allocations given out ahead of the six state elections, and replied that it was a coincidence.

“KPKT is always at work, regardless of the season, whether it was during state elections or not, I was here in February and I announced a RM40 million allocation, it wasn’t state elections at that time,” he said.

Penang is expected to dissolve its state legislative assembly on June 28, to pave the way for elections.

Nga also called on voters to fulfil their duty by coming out to vote during the state elections.

“We need a state government that is aligned with the federal government so that all these projects can be implemented without disruption,” he said.

He called on voters to give the Pakatan Harapan state government the support it needed to maintain its two third majority.

He also said he is confident that Penang voters will choose the Madani government.

“Our country needs political stability so that the country can draw in more investors so I call on all to give the mandate to the Madani government in the state elections,” he said.

Kelantan dissolved yesterday. The other states to do so are Selangor, Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, and Terengganu.