Sit down and explain eviction to PPR residents, Penang govt urged

Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin.

BUTTERWORTH: Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin has urged the Penang government to hold a meeting with the 22 families evicted from a PPR flat to explain why they were turned out.

She said most of the residents there appeared unaware of the law and that following their eviction, they had been provoked by people with political agendas.

Units at the PPR flat, which cost RM124 to rent, are offered to those earning a household income of RM1,500 and below. The families were evicted on Wednesday after a one-week extension of an earlier eviction attempt.

The minister said a “cordial” meeting with those affected should be held immediately to prevent any further misunderstanding.

She added that the incident had been turned into a political drama, tarnishing the government’s image.

“A meeting with the residents will ensure that they get news from the source, which is the Penang government, instead of certain agents giving statements.

“The state government must sit down with them, just the residents involved, or else it will give room for a political drama perpetuated by certain groups taking advantage,” she said.

Zuraida said she had received a “good and clear” explanation of the issue from Penang’s housing committee chairman, Jagdeep Singh Deo.

She said Penang was trying to uphold its housing rules, which had clear procedures that have to be enforced.

Earlier, while inaugurating the Penang World Women’s Day celebrations in Seberang Jaya, the minister said eight of the 22 evicted families have been staying at the Tek Soon Arcade, Komtar as a sign of protest.

Some NGOs have alleged injustice in evicting the families from their residences.

Last night, the NGOs demanded answers from an aide of the prime minister, which led to a minor struggle.

The Penang government notified the residents of the evictions as far back as six months ago.

Some were found to have exceeded the income limit while others were found to have rented out units to foreigners or married foreign spouses, among other violations. - FMT