MOU signing ceremony at the Light Hotel Penang
Some 300 residents in Kampung Manis who have been facing eviction finally received good news as they will be getting their new homes.
This is following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding *MOU) between Railway Asset Corporation (RAC) and the Lembaga Perumahan Negeri Pulau Pinang (LPNPP).
The momentous ceremony was held at the Light Hotel Penang.
Present to witness the much welcomed ceremony was Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke, Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Penang State Exco for Housing and Environment, Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo among others.
Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke
In the words of Sundarajoo, the signing of the MOU was significant as it was among the election promises he had made to the people of Kampung Manis if were to be elected as the assemblyman for Perai.
“This very historic ceremony marks a new beginning for the residents of Kampung Manis, who had to face eviction for a long time.
“My promise to the residents of Kampung Manis is that if I am elected as an assemblyman in the last state election, I will resolve the issue of Kampung Manis in the near future.
“Today, no less than five months after I was elected as an assemblyman, I have fulfilled my promise. All of the residents will receive a new, comfortable, clean, and safe home for free,” said Sundarajoo.
Meanwhile, Chow also highlighted that the redevelopment of Kampung Manis could stimulate economic growth with commercial spaces generating income and employment opportunities.
“The planned development also promises a more organized infrastructure with smoother traffic flow.
“The synergy between the State Government and the Federal Government in developing Kampung Manis is for the benefit of the people of Penang. I hope that this pioneering redevelopment project will open up more opportunities for collaboration between RAC and the State Government in the future,” added Chow.
Loke in his speech shared that the MOU signing would transform three land areas owned by RAC in Kampung Manis from slum areas into modern, developed spaces equipped with various facilities, including commercial centers.
“The planned development concept on this land will not only focus on commercial aspects but will also include other components such as transportation hubs, retail spaces, educational institutions and most importantly, housing,” he added.