This Deepavali is extra special for the residents of Ladang Byram, who will celebrate the Festival of Lights in their newly built homes under the Byram Estate Resettlement Project. The Penang government officially handed over the keys this week, marking a new beginning for families who have long lived in ageing estate houses near the Pulau Burung Landfill.
For S. Maliga, 61, the moment is deeply emotional:
“Of course we are all happy and excited to celebrate the festival in a new house. Thank you to the state government for helping us by providing the house. I can’t wait to move in,” she told Bernama in an interview.
Another recipient, A. Selvadorai, 48, shared the same joy. He shared that this year’s Deepavali will be more meaningful for him and his family. After 20 years, they could finally have a comfortable home on their own.
F. Edward Raja, 47, said his family will combine their Deepavali celebration with a housewarming party.
“This year’s Deepavali will be more meaningful and sweet because we four siblings will celebrate it together in a new house with our mother and father. Our whole family is grateful to the state government for the promised home,” he said.
A Step Toward Better Living
The RM18.4 million project includes 68 terraced houses, a two storey school building and a single storey temple, providing better facilities and comfort for the community. A total of 72 families are set to benefit, 66 at Taman Byram Baru and 6 at Taman Kalidonia Indah Phase 2.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the handover ceremony with Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, said the resettlement was crucial to address health and environmental issues faced by residents due to landfill pollution.
“Recognising the urgent need for a long-term solution, the state government took proactive steps by allocating 3.52 hectares (8.7 acres) of land in Nibong Tebal through the Chief Minister’s Incorporated (CMI) while the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) was appointed as project manager to implement the development,” he said.
Affordable and Inclusive Housing
Homes are priced at RM42,000 for intermediate units and RM50,000 for corner lots. To ease ownership, residents can opt for a Rent-To-Own (RTO) scheme, paying RM200 monthly.
The project also supports community and religious needs, two housing units will be given to the Chapel Association as a place of worship, while a new school building will be handed over to SJKT Ladang Byram to ensure a safe and conductive learning environment. For the residents, this Deepavali symbolizes more than a festival, it’s the start of a brighter, more stable life.
Sources: Bernama
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