Tanah Wakaf Abdul Cauder eviction resolved, 30 move into free apartments

In 2019, a commotion erupted at a tanah wakaf (endowment land) plot in Jalan Mengkuang, Butterworth.

The land, known as Tanah Wakaf Abdul Cauder, had been home to 47 households for several generations.

Several youths, even those from the ruling party Bersatu, joined in a rally held there, sympathising with the residents while criticising the Penang government for the alleged forced eviction of the residents.

PSM then tried to negotiate with the Penang government on behalf of the affected residents.

MAIPP, Penang's Islamic Affairs Council, was heavily slammed for mooting a mixed development project on the land.

Penang deputy chief minister (I) Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman later stepped in to resolve the plight of the residents.

On Jan 21, 30 residents from the area moved into their new units at the An Nur Apartments in Teluk Ayer Tawar, situated just 8km from their former homes.

They were offered free 1,064 sq ft units with fixed kitchen cabinets.

"The apartments are well-equipped and come with several amenities like shop lots, a playground for children and parking lots for cars and motorcycles.

"Work quietly but diligently, let the results prove it all," said Zakiyuddin about his success in resolving the issue.

MAIPP had initially offered 50 families free replacement units (1,000 sq ft) upon completion of the apartment project at the Tanah Wakaf Abdul Cauder.

It also offered a RM500 monthly rental allowance for the families to temporarily relocate and relocation allowances of between RM4,000 and RM3,500 each when they move into the new units.

The state Wakaf, Zakat and Haji Department had allocated RM50 million for the mixed development project in 2010 which involved 470 low and medium-cost apartment units.

Forty-six families were supposed to have been be relocated to the 22-storey building while the remaining units were to be rented out to low-income earners to generate revenue for the department.

But only 32 families accepted, while 14 households refused MAIPP's offer in 2010.

“MAIPP’s doors are still open for discussion with these 14 households," said Zakiyuddin. - Mkini