GEORGE TOWN: New worker accommodations will no longer be allowed in residential areas in Penang under tighter guidelines taking effect Sept 1.
Local government and town and country planning committee chairman Jason H'ng Mooi Lye said the move was part of the state's efforts to scale down the previous Temporary Labour Quarters (TLQ) guidelines while gradually shifting towards Centralised Labour Quarters (CLQ) which are purpose-built, centralised and designed to provide more sustainable long-term housing solutions for workers.
"Our aim is to scale down the previous guidelines. TLQ permits issued under the 2024 guidelines are valid for three years and will expire on Dec 31, 2027.
"Although worker accommodations were previously allowed in residential areas, the new guidelines stipulate that they will only be allowed in commercial and industrial areas," he said at a press conference in Komtar on Monday (Aug 17).
H'ng said existing accommodations in residential areas would be reviewed if operators applied to continue their operations.
He said this included premises that had been operating since the 1990s, such as those in Taman Pelangi near Juru.
"We will look into such areas through their applications and check whether there have been complaints filed," he said.
There are currently 1,617 permitted TLQs under the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and 1,492 under the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP).
The new guidelines also set minimum space and toilet requirements.
For dormitories, each worker must have at least 3 sq m of space, with one toilet required for every 15 workers.
For high-rise buildings, each worker must have at least 3.6 sq m, with one toilet required for every six workers.
Applications cost RM1,500 per unit for accommodation measuring 750 sq ft and below.
The fee is RM3,500 per unit for accommodation measuring 751 sq ft and above.
Penang currently has two CLQs under MBPP and four under MBSP.
The new guidelines will take effect on Sept 1.
Operators must obtain a permit from the relevant local authority before applying for a Certificate of Accommodation from the Penang Labour Department.
