Come April, 45 apartment blocks on the island and mainland will be spotting the “I love Penang” logo.

State executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo said this is part of the state’s ongoing campaign, which was launched to oppose any attempts to federalise Penang.

He said the housing department - which he heads - will take the initiative to carry out the painting project, which will begin at the end of March.

The selected 45 blocks are projects under 50 state government-linked schemes (public housing), added Jagdeep.

“RM222,190.20 has been allocated for the design and painting works which will kick off at the end of the month,” Jagdeep said at a press conference in Komtar today.

The project will be implemented in Zone 1: Padang Tembak (nine blocks), Kampung Melayu (2) and Paya Terubong (2); Zone 2: Taman Tun Sardon (22) and Taman Free School (15); Zone 3:Mak Mandin (19); Zone 4: Taman Tun Dr Awang (10) and Jalan Mohd Saad (6); and Zone 5: Jawi and Nibong Tebal (5).

Penang has organised two other programmes - logo competition and a run - as part of the “I Love Penang” campaign.

The campaign follows the controversial proposal by Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Mansor to federalise parts of Penang, Langkawi and Malacca.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng strongly opposed the proposal, and urged all Penangites to participate in the campaign.

Gerakan, too, has its own version of the “I Love Penang” campaign but it includes asking Lim to “Save Penang” from losing its heritage and environment.

Promote affordable housing

Meanwhile, Jagdeep said the state government will collaborate with 10 developers to promote the sale of affordable housing.

He said the developers will be exhibiting their projects in Prangin Mall (next to Komtar) on April 8 and 9.

The units on sale are mostly priced at between RM168,000 to RM398,000.

“Data shows that affordable housing proves to be the lion share or 80 percent of residential transactions in Penang,” Jagdeep noted.

He added that the collaboration is part of the state's recognition and appreciation to the developers for willing to built affordable homes.

“The public are invited to come and see the exhibition if they would like to purchase the units,” Jagdeep said.

“Only 2,634 out of about 8,000 units are available, so there are not many left,” he added.

The 10 developers are Aspen Group Ventures Sdn Bhd, Uda Holdings Berhad/Ideal Properties, Taman Sri Bunga Sdn Bhd, JKP Sdn Bhd, Iconic Land Sdn Bhd, M Summit Corporation Sdn Bhd, I-Global Property Network Sdn Bhd, PLB Land Sdn Bhd, PDC Properties Sdn Bhd and Silver Channel Sdn Bhd.