GEORGE TOWN: High cost of living in Penang, escalating house prices and the proposed Middle Bank reclamation will take centre stage at the Umno general assembly next week.
These issues will be brought up for debate by Penang Umno Youth and tabled by Balik Pulau Umno Youth chief Hisham Hamid.
State Umno Youth chief Rafizal Abdul Rahim said plans to reduce the cost of living in Penang would be the main issue tabled.
“Penang is no longer a cheap place to live in. It is very expensive, especially with the rising cost of living and expenses. These include food, transportation, petrol and daily essentials.”
Rafizal said there was a need to cut down on bureaucracy, especially government offices.
“I hope we can discuss ways to simplify the process in government offices during the assembly.”
Nibong Tebal Umno Youth chief Mohd Nor Hiesam Ismail said every year, voices from the grassroots had focused on rising costs faced by the young generation.
“It’s not easy to own or buy a house in Penang. Let’s not talk about the island because even in Seberang Jaya and Batu Kawan, house prices have hit the ceiling. Youth, whose loan applications were rejected by banks, tend to turn to loan sharks for help and end up ruining their and their families’ lives.”
Bukit Mertajam Umno division member Ifan Zaimi hoped delegates would speak about medium-cost houses and how the DAP-led state government could ill-afford to help the people.
He said Penang delegates would seek the Federal Government’s help to tackle housing issues in the state.
Rafizal said Malays and Indians in the state would be on the losing end if the proposed Middle Bank reclamation project was not stopped as they would not be able to afford the houses there.
“DAP is trying to gain votes by playing up the Middle Bank issue.
“If the Penang Development Corporation reclaims the land and builds mixed development there, the prices of properties will definitely be above RM500,000.”