Rahman Dahlan urges Penang govt to cooperate with federal housing agencies

GEORGE TOWN: Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Rahman Dahlan has urged the Penang government to cooperate with federal housing agencies to provide affordable housing in the state.
He said federal housing agencies in Penang, JKP Sdn Bhd and the Penang Regional Development Authority (PERDA), were facing hurdles in getting applications approved.
He said he did not understand why their applications had to be vetted at the level of the State Planning Committee (SPC) in Penang while other states did not do so, adding that the agencies were not looking for a relaxation of rules but wanted a platform so they could deliver homes to the people.
“Treat them as you would private developers and they will comply,” he said in a press conference today.
On the issue of delays in obtaining Advertising Permit and Developer License (APDL) as highlighted by the Penang Real Estate and Housing Developers Association (REHDA), Rahman said he was only following the thoroughness by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng towards federal housing applications.
He said Lim wanted to ensure every “i” was dotted and every “t” was crossed so likewise him.
“I am doing like what he (Lim) is doing by being thorough,” he added.
Earlier, the Umno Supreme Council member urged party branches to close ranks with Prime Minister and party president Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
He said it was important for grassroots to remain united as the elections was only about two years away.
“It is important for all at the branch level to show their support to the institution of the president,” he said after receiving a declaration of support for Najib from the Umno Tanjong division leaders.