There are currently some 860 applications from Penang’s northeast district alone on the waiting list for public housing units in the state, says exco for housing Jagdeep Singh Deo.

In Padang Tembak itself, he added, there are 62 applicants who have yet to be interviewed as there are currently no empty units available.

"We must consider all these facts when reviewing the cases. For example, some residents from Padang Tembak (who had received notices of eviction) have been given extensions so that their problems can be resolved," he told Malaysiakini.

Jagdeep was asked to comment on a group of residents who protested yesterday over being asked to move out from their rented high-rise low cost flat units in Padang Tembak. 

He stressed, however, that the Penang government’s responsibility to provide housing for those qualified.

"Based on the report we received from the state housing department, (the eviction of residents) was due to overdue arrears for one case, four cases involving foreigners, another four families who already have houses, and two single persons who continued to live in the premises after their parents died.

"It must be noted that the responsibility of the state government is to provide public housing facilities to those who are qualified to rent the units, whether they are applying for low, low-medium or medium cost homes as there are limited units and the waiting list is long," he said.

The group of Padang Tembak residents, who protested inside the Komtar building, had handed over a memorandum addressed to Jagdeep (photo) and Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow to appeal the eviction notices.

The notices, received in December last year, stated that the residents – about 15 families in total – were supposed to vacate their homes yesterday.

They were led by Padang Tembak public housing project coordinator cum PSM executive committee member Kathiges Rajamanickam, who sought a meeting with Jagdeep to clarify the status of the evicted residents.

'Do not meet criteria'

Jagdeep clarified today that the Penang government provides various units of public housing for those from the lowest income category.

"There are units for rent which were previously provided by the former BN federal government in Penang, but there are only 999 of such units.

"To help those in the category to obtain such units, a committee was set up under the state housing department in 2012 to ensure only those who are qualified would obtain approval for the homes,” he said.

"To ensure only those who are qualified get their application for the units approved, the condition the applicants must fulfil include earning a salary not more than RM500 per month per household.

"Other conditions are for applicants to be Malaysians and not to have any arrears in payment of rental for the units," he added.

According to Jagdeep, since he became exco for housing in May 2013, there have been many violations with applicants not meeting the stated criteria.

When this happens, he explained, administrative action is usually taken to move residents out of the units.

"However, the Penang government is caring, and in 2016, we had formed a committee to monitor the enforcement of such cases.

"Since we formed the committee, we have had seven meetings, where 384 cases were reviewed, out of which, 288 appeals were approved.

"This is a big number that has been approved by the Penang government," he stressed.