GEORGE TOWN, Nov 27 — Penang Gerakan wants the state government to reintroduce the “rent-to-own” policy adopted by the previous Barisan Nasional (BN) state government as a serious measure to help the rakyat own affordable houses.

Its secretary Oh Tong Keong said the policy would also help lessen the housing woes faced by Penangites.

The PR government discontinued the “rent-to-own” policy after assuming power in 2008.

Oh also urged the state government to explain its so-called RM500 million Affordable Housing Fund, which was announced by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng last year.

He said it was shocking to read DAP Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi’s revelation in the newspapers recently that the state government “has no more affordable housing units to be allocated.”

“This is shocking news. PR governed Penang for six years and it has not been able to find proper shelter for the people?” Oh asked.

“Until today, Penangites have yet to see progress on the fund. What has happened? Lim owes the people a good explanation.”

Oh recalled how the BN state government during the helm of the late Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu and Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, was very concerned with providing housing for Penangites.

“They worked hard and formulated policies to address the needs of people from all segments. Back then, the state government and private developers built many low-cost (RM50,000) and medium-low-cost (RM72,500) houses.

“The hardcore poor families who could not afford down payments were given assistance. Many found homes with very affordable rentals from as low as RM100,” he said.

“The former BN state government tried its best to solve housing problems while the current state government hopes to facilitate developers to make more money, such as by approving higher housing density projects,” Oh said.

“Development projects on hillslopes are also approved, leading to the destruction of the environment and ecology.”

Oh also pointed out that a new housing unit in Penang now cost RM400,000 to RM800,000, or more.

“The situation is becoming worse. There are many million-ringgit luxury units around. Some are owned by wealthy locals, but most are owned by foreigners and speculators,” Oh said.

“If this trend continues, locals who cannot afford a house may be forced to migrate to other states.

“The state government should solve the problem. Otherwise, sooner or later, only foreigners and the rich can live in Penang.”