Indian Muslim housing discount doesn't violate rights of others, says exco
PETALING JAYA : Penang's housing and environment committee chairman, S Sundarajoo, has defended the 5% homeownership discount for Indian Muslims under the Madani Home Ownership Campaign, saying it does not infringe on the rights of other communities.
Sundarajoo said the initiative is aimed at increasing homeownership among groups with low participation in the open market and is not at the expense of others.
'This discount is offered by developers as a form of social responsibility and does not involve any financial support or subsidy from the state government,' he said in a statement today.
He also clarified that the discount does not apply to units under the Bumiputera quota and does not affect any existing housing policies, including quotas or incentives for first-time buyers.
'All existing housing policies, including the Bumiputera quota, remain in place and will continue to be implemented,' he said.
Sundarajoo said the move is also in response to the growing number of unsold houses in Penang, with 2,796 overhang units identified across the state as of the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the National Property Information Centre.
The discount was approved by the state executive council on May 7 and by the state planning committee on Tuesday after consultations with housing industry stakeholders, he said.
He said it also aims to boost the property sector, which has been affected by rising construction and labour costs.
'This aligns with the state's goal of promoting balanced, sustainable, and inclusive development,' he said.
On Thursday, Sundarajoo announced that private developers will be encouraged to voluntarily offer a 5% discount to first-time Indian Muslim homebuyers for one year.
The initiative has drawn criticism from human rights lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan, who called the campaign discriminatory and unconstitutional.
Policy to be reviewed, says Sim
In a separate statement, Penang DAP chief Steven Sim said he has discussed the matter with chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, who has agreed that it will be brought for review and discussion at the upcoming state executive council meeting.
He said that as a party founded on the principles of the Federal Constitution, DAP has always championed justice and the welfare of all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion.
'It is important that the Penang government continues to uphold the principle of social justice and ensures that every Malaysian's right to homeownership is protected,' he said.
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