Approvals to build 11,596 low- and medium-cost houses have been issued since 2008, the Penang government announced today, refuting allegations that is achieved 'zero' performance in this area.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said since Pakatan Rakyat took over the state leadership from the BN in 2008, the state had approved the building of houses between RM42,000 (low-cost) and RM72,500 (medium-cost).

NONE The state also plans to restructure several housing projects, which will involve 992 low-cost and 192 medium-cost houses, Lim ( left ) told a press conference today.

"So far we have been patient with the allegations by the opposition that we do not approve the building of affordable and medium-cost houses," he said.

"Here, we would like to present evidence that after 2008, we have approved the building of those houses, even though we have limited funds, as it is not cheap to build those houses."

Lim then distributed diagrams to prove his argument, saying that this had also been clarified in the state legislative assembly.

"Seek truth from facts, so that we can speak the truth. These are the facts. The opposition's slanderous remarks that we have not build even one (low- or medium-cost) house is very mischievous," he said.

Lim was referring to the statement of Penang Umno liaison committee chief Zainal Abidin Osman who criticised the state government for not building any low-cost house for the poor since 2008.

Zainal Abidin urged the state to make speedier approvals for housing projects as the state government should keep the interest of the people close at heart.

The former Nibong Tebal MP said this when referring to state opposition leader Azhar Ibrahim's charge that since Pakatan took over Penang, housing projects, especially by federal agencies, have been "filtered" and needed to comply with many requirements before they were approved.

The affected agencies, Azhar said, included the State Bumiputra Steering Committee (JKP), Penang Regional Development Authority (Perda), Mara and Urban Development Authority (Uda).

Lim also touched on the financial challenges facing the state, sayingbuilding costs were high as acquisition of land by the state was also required.

"We use state government funds and that is why must we have to prioritise Penangites. I don't think people will dispute this... when we become the federal government, we will build houses for all," he added.