Plan covers repairs, improved emergency preparedness
It has been over 50 years since the first occupants moved into Rifle Range Flats in Penang, and efforts are ongoing to ensure the ageing public housing scheme remains safe and liveable for its largely elderly community.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state was committed to improving conditions at one of its oldest housing projects, where many residents have lived since 1969.
“Rifle Range is one of the earliest social housing projects in the state. Residents moved in more than 50 years ago.
“My concern is how we can transform it into a more conducive environment,” Chow said after inspecting ongoing works and fire safety plans at the flats.
He said that most residents were now senior citizens, with some living alone.
“Many would not want to leave their close-knit community.
“It is a challenging task, but upgrading and repair works need to be done,” he said.
Chow said the state government, through the Penang Housing Board (LPNPP), would continue upgrading infrastructure to ensure older public housing schemes remain safe and comfortable.
He said current works at Block H involved rewiring common areas such as corridors, staircases and lobbies, as well as installing energy-efficient and emergency lighting systems to meet safety standards.
The project, costing RM745,260, is funded by Housing and Local Government Ministry under the Public Housing Maintenance Fund and is expected to be completed by August.
Chow said repairs to the fire pump house system at Block G were also being planned to strengthen fire safety.
Technical inspections are being carried out to ensure water pressure and pump systems remain at optimal levels so that sprinkler and hose reel systems can function effectively in emergencies.
The proposed works, estimated at RM200,000, are expected to be carried out between June and December.
Kebun Bunga assemblyman Lee Boon Heng said the state remained committed to safeguarding residents’ welfare.
“These upgrades will improve safety and comfort, while repairs to the fire pump system will enhance emergency preparedness for four residential blocks,” he said.
During the visit, Chow and Lee also met senior citizens living alone, to better understand their daily challenges.
Rifle Range Flats, completed in 1969, is among the last surviving large-scale public housing projects from Malaysia’s early urbanisation period.
Once regarded as a landmark development, the project was Penang’s first mass public housing scheme aimed at providing affordable homes for people with low income.
Built over 27 months through a collaboration between German firm Hochtief and local contractor Chee Seng, the flats used the French Estiot System, an early industrialised building system that allowed for rapid construction using pre-cast concrete components.
The development comprises nine blocks − six 17-storey and three 18-storey buildings − with 3,663 residential units, 65 shoplots and 13 utility units.
Colloquially known as Pak Cheng Por, meaning “shooting range” in Hokkien, the site was previously used by the army and police before being redeveloped.
Despite its historical significance, the ageing flats have long faced issues such as faulty lifts, drainage problems and dimly lit common areas.
The lift system, which operates on alternating floors, has also posed challenges for elderly and disabled residents, who often need to use stairs to reach the nearest lift-serviced level.
Last October, a fire broke out on the 14th floor of Block G, damaging several units before it was brought under control.
