“Rich people” have been living and investing in homes in Penang meant for first-time buyers.
They are also renting out these units against state laws, Parti Cinta Malaysia (PCM) revealed today.
PCM Vice-President Huan Cheng Guan said its investigation of a two-year-old low-medium-cost (LMC) affordable housing apartment in Gelugor revealed some shocking facts.
He said a PCM probe team found three high-powered motorcycles and two Japanese cars, plausibly owned by the same person, parked in the card-access-only parking lot.
Developers are required to sell LMC units at RM72,500 each under state housing laws.
The current income eligibility for those applying for LMC homes are a combined husband-and-wife household income of RM3,500.
“It is shocking that we found motorcycles that are more expensive than the LMC unit itself,” Huan said.
The PCM team found a BMW Motorrad GS superbike worth RM114,900, a Triumph Street Triple superbike (RM53,900), a KTM 1050 Adventure superbike (RM68,888),the latest Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.8 G (RM133,900) and an older Honda Jazz iDSI car.
According to Huan, these vehicles are most likely owned by the same person, as all their registration number plates end with the digits 5890.
“Mind you, these are not the only vehicles which are expensive.
“On average, nearly all cars parked at the LMC lot were at least RM80,000 and above.
“Despite the Penang Government often saying that it would ‘strictly vet’ low-cost housing applicants before letting them buy them, the latest revelation is shocking.
“We have also heard the state government claiming it would even look through Road Transport Department records to see how many cars the potential house buyers own before allowing them to purchase the unit.
“This goes to show that the Penang Government is not competent, not accountable and not transparent at all,” he said at a press conference at Lot 33, Prangin Mall, here today.
Huan also found nearly 10 of the LMC homes were listed for rent on online property sites, with the rent ranging from RM700 to RM1,000 a month.
“In light of the magnitude of this problem, we have decided to hand over whatever we have to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission so that the Penang Housing Department may be investigated.”
Penang Housing Committee Chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said he would investigate the allegations.
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