Residents of Kampung Manis in Seberang Perai, Penang, are looking forward to moving into new homes under the Rumah MutiaraKu (RMKu) scheme.
The 227 residents received documents to vacate from the Railway Assets Corporation (RAC).
The Penang Housing Board (LPNPP) will facilitate their relocation.
The villagers will be vacating Lots 286, 65 and 67 in central Seberang Perai.
State housing and environment committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu said he was pleased there was progress in developing Kampung Manis.
“After over 70 years, this issue has been resolved and the 227 residents will get their own homes.
“The 174 residents who were the original squatters will be each given one RMKu unit measuring about 850sq ft worth RM250,000.
“The remaining 53 residents who are not original squatters of Kampung Manis will be offered similar units under the rent-to-own programme worth RM150,000,” he said.
Sales assistant Ken Fang, 29, said this was something his late grandfather – who was one of the original squatters in the village – had hoped for over the past 40 years.
“We are relieved that the house that we were promised is becoming a reality,” he said after receiving the documents from chief minister Chow Kon Yeow during a ceremony at Taman Chai Leng.
Fang said for now, he and his parents would stay at Kampung Manis until it was time to relocate.
He said LPNPP had promised the squatters a monthly RM700 for rental until their houses were ready.
Single mother Siti Hajar Abdul Samad, 39, said she received documents to vacate.
“We were told that we will have to move out from the village early next year.
“I am happy that my family will finally be able to own a home.
“I am currently living with my son, younger brother and my ailing mother,” she said.
Kampung Manis is a remnant of a pre-Independence settlement that grew alongside the development of the sugar industry in the area.
The village was established by labourers who settled near the perimeter wall of a sugar refinery in Perai.
Its name, Manis, meaning “sweet” in Malay, is believed to have originated from its close association with the sugar factory.
Over time, the settlement developed into a residential community, with generations of families making their homes there as the surrounding industrial area expanded.
Efforts to resolve the issue gained momentum in 2024, when RAC and the LPNPP formalised cooperation to redevelop the settlement and provide suitable homes for affected residents.
Chow said the redevelopment of Kampung Manis was an important step towards providing residents with a comfortable and better-planned living environment.
“The project in Central Seberang Perai was made possible through a strategic partnership between the RAC, LPNPP and Rivanis Ventures Sdn Bhd.
“The collaboration was formalised through a memorandum of understanding on Jan 16, 2024, followed by a memorandum of agreement on Nov 11, 2024.
“Relocating from homes where residents have lived for years is not easy, as this place holds cherished memories.”
He said he appreciated the openness and cooperation shown by Kampung Manis residents throughout the relocation negotiations.
Present during the ceremony were RAC chief executive officer Datuk Azhar Ahmad, LPNPP chief executive officer Khairulnizam Hashim, Seberang Perai mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid and central Seberang Perai district officer Datuk Kamarul Haizat Koderat.
