GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government said it is prepared to discuss with Taman Manggis residents who were evicted from their units, provided they can come up with valid reasons to stay on.
State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said residents can file an appeal before the eviction order comes into effect.
“Although actions have already been taken against 22 cases in Taman Manggis yesterday, it should be noted that the execution has been postponed to March 6 to give them time to vacate their respective units.
“Those who feel they have valid reasons to refute this can submit an appeal with the Housing Department for us to consider before the said date,” he said.
Yesterday, residents of more than 20 homes at the Taman Manggis People’s Housing Project (PPR) were evicted and had their units locked up after they were found to be no longer eligible to rent the units there.
A resident however claimed they were "chased out" without being given enough time to vacate and valid reasons.
She said for her case, she was told that one of her family members had already owned a house based on the record kept by the Housing Department.
“But I explained to them that we no longer have it. We sold it years ago.
“Why can’t they be a little considerate and give us time to explain? How can they just lock us out?” she said.
Commenting on the matter today, Jagdeep defended the state government's move and said it had to be done because there was a short supply of rental units and a long and growing waiting list.
He said the waiting list currently stands at 1,137 units throughout Penang.
Jagdeep said in the northeast district where Taman Manggis PPR is located, there are 734 applicants in the waiting list, with 494 of them opting for the Taman Manggis PPR.
He said action had to be taken as the said residents were found to have defaulted in their status to continue staying there.
“Among the reasons included defaulting in payment of rental or maintenance charges, increase in income beyond the stipulated income cap for renting, marrying foreigners and owning other property."
“Before any action can be taken, cases will to be referred to a committee to decide on the necessary action to be taken. We have assisted the majority of them, by giving them various types of instalment packages. Clearly, eviction is the last resort.
“We have to be firm and also be fair to those on the waiting list.” he added.