The Penang state government has expressed its disappointment that Budget 2023 has not addressed the plight of first time affordable housing buyers.
State Exco for Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning, YB Jagdeep Singh Deo also said that the exemption of stamp duty especially for first time buyers should not only be continued but extended up to 2030.
“Most importantly our biggest challenge of high loan rejection rates for first time home buyers has failed to be addressed,” said Jagdeep at a ceremony to hand over keys to some 111 residents in Taman Taman Kalidonia Indah in Nibong Tebal.
He also added that the state government’s Affordable Housing (AH) agenda continues. Part of our 135,545 AH units delivered, includes low cost housing at Taman Kalidonia Indah.
Also present was Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow at the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Jagdeep added that the project is a public and private initiative has seen the successful relocation of many residents.
“When we speak about public and private partnership, whilst the Penang State Government has delivered in this regard, the Federal Government must also deliver such Affordable Housing.
“As we are the second smallest State but the third highest taxpayers, Penangites deserve and are entitled to Affordable Housing from the Federal Government.
We have identified five plots of land from our five districts amounting to 72.3 acres for this purpose for them to build, but we are still awaiting.
