Penang reaches settlement with evicted Tmn Manggis residents

The Penang government is said to have reached an amicable settlement with the families evicted from the Taman Manggis public housing project (PPR), bringing an end to their six-day sit-in protest at Komtar.

Seberang Perai councillor David Marshal, who represented the families in negotiations, told Malaysiakini today that "a very good settlement" was reached with the state administration.

Under the settlement, the five families will be allowed to return to their PPR units for two weeks, after which they will move out with their belongings. 

In return, they were offered low-cost units on a rent-to-buy basis. Rental for these units, priced at RM40,000 and located along McCallum Street Ghaut, will cost RM220 per month.

According to a source, even resident Khalidah Nazir Ahmad – who became the subject of controversy after a picture of her flying business class to Sri Lanka went viral, and who was holding out for a low-medium-cost home in the city – accepted the deal.

Activists assisting the evicted residents are claiming the settlement as a victory, and declared that it was people's power which resulted in the Penang government giving in to their demands.

Malaysiakini has contacted Penang exco on housing Jagdeep Singh Deo (above) to verify the claims. It is learned that he will call for a press conference to announce the settlement tomorrow.

On March 6, 22 residents were evicted from their Taman Manggis PPR units as they were found to have exceeded the eligibility criteria for the homes, which were reserved for the hardcore poor on a five-year lease.

Thereafter, five families of residents, including children and senior citizens, rallied in Komtar to urge the Penang government to reverse the decision.

Protesters slept on the ground floor of the building, and were visited by several parties, including Gerakan and MCA, in solidarity. 

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamed's political secretary, Abu Bakar Yahya, also met with the residents, and said that the matter would be resolved soon.

A day before the evictions, Jagdeep cited several reasons for the loss of eligibility. These include defaulting payment on rental and/or maintenance charges, an increase in income above the cap of RM1,500 per household, marrying foreigners, or owning other properties.

As many as 1,137 applicants are on the waiting list for the 999 PPR units available in Penang. A total of 494 are waiting for units in the Taman Manggis PPR alone. - Mkini