GEORGE TOWN: The condition of the Kampung Melayu Flat in Air Itam here, the majority of which only have one room, caught the attention of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar said he would discuss with the Penang government to bring about changes to the Kampung Melayu Flat.
"This flat has how many room? Only one. We must find a way to redevelop (the Kampung Melayu Flat). How to stay in this condition?
"I will discuss with the state government. We will try to bring about changes.
"I cannot promise more than that as this is the state elections season. If I make any more promise, it will be an offence. But believe me, with power we will implement it nicely," he said during the Jelajah Perpaduan Madani at the compound of the flat last night.
The Kampung Melayu Flat comprises of two blocks, with about 950 units and more than 3,600 occupants.
About 135 units in Block B have two bedrooms while the rest are one bedroom units measuring 550sq ft.
Meanwhile, Kampung Melayu MPKK chairman Abdul Aziz Buhari said the residents welcomed any redevelopment project of the flat for greater comfort of the people.
He said the Kampung Melayu Flat, a low cost flat, was more than 50 years old.
"Surely, it is no longer suitable for current times.
"In the past, the one bedroom unit was sold at RM15,000 while the two bedrooms unit at RM19,000," he said, adding that most of the residents had finished paying their units through the rent and buy system.
Abdul Aziz said they welcomed any project for the comfort of the residents because of the increase in occupants.
'The best way is for the government to rebuild on the existing site," he added.
Meanwhile, Pakatan Harapan - Barisan Nasional's candidate for the Air Itam state seat, Joseph Ng, said he would work together with both the federal and state governments to ensure greater comfort for the Kampung Melayu Flat dwellers.
