Pdg Tembak evictees already given 6-month extension, says CM

A six-month extension had already been given to the residents of a Penang public housing project prior to their eviction, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

Chow said according to state executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo, the extension was given to the residents in Padang Tembak, Air Itam last year when the process to evict them began in December 2017.

He reiterated that only those who did not qualify for the housing units were asked to vacate their residences so that those who met the criteria could be given the units instead.

"They were forced to leave after many notices and warnings were issued to them prior to their eviction yesterday," Chow told reporters today in Komtar.

"The residents should appreciate that we have given them a six-month extension," he added.

Chow was referring to seven families led by PSM central committee member Karthiges Rajamanickam who held a protest at Komtar on June 1 in their bid to meet Jagdeep to resolve their plight.

Karthiges and another protestor were arrested by the police for preventing the residents’ eviction yesterday but the duo was released later in the night.

The group has denied violating the conditions to qualify for public housing, which includes being Malaysian citizens, and said that the problem of their overdue rental fees had been addressed.

But Chow said the protestors' actions were unfair to the 1,800 applicants who were on the waiting list to obtain the public housing units in Padang Tembak, popularly known as the Rifle Range flats.

"We hope the parties helping the affected protestors could appreciate our efforts.

"Many who qualify have waited for years on the waiting list for their turn to be given the units," Chow said.

"The housing units may not be ideal homes but still, many were eagerly waiting for it," Chow added.

Meanwhile, Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai has been tasked with arranging temporary accommodation for the affected families in a shophouse on Lebuh Queen.

Padang Tembak falls under the Kebun Bunga state seat and Bukit Bendera parliamentary constituency. -Mkini