Penang affordable housing open to skilled workers

The Penang government today launched the ‘Talents and Skill’ category for workers looking to buy affordable homes in the state.

State housing exco Jagdeep Singh Deo said the Selection Process Enhancement Committee (SPEC) has approved a proposal by investPenang to also offer affordable housing to talented and skilled labour working in Penang and contributing to its economy.

Jagdeep said the category will be given some priority, although it would not guarantee a successful application, adding that SPEC had decided to consider applications on their individual merits.

Applicants must undertake to be in Penang for a minimum of five years from the date of handover of keys.

“What we need is that commitment of five years from the applicants. Employers will also prefer their employees to stay on in Penang with them. We will require this assurance by way of statutory declarations,” Jagdeep said at a press conference today.

In Penang, affordable housing is defined as any state or private development housing unit of RM400,000 or less, on the island, and less than RM250,000 on the mainland.

Eligible applicants must be at least 21 years old and first-time buyers with a maximum household income of up to RM10,000. They must also be knowledge workers with a diploma or bachelor’s degree recognised by the government, be registered to vote in Penang, and have worked in Penang for at least two years. The category is open to all Malaysians.

Applicants in this category must go through investPenang. There are no online applications available for this category at the moment. For more details, visit www.erumah.gov.my or www.investpenang.gov.my.