BATU KAWAN: The state government plans to build seven more Centralised Accommodation Transit (CAT) in efforts to solve the issue of foreign workers in residential areas.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said two of the seven projects would be sited on the island while the remaining five in Seberang Prai, on Penang Development Corporation (PDC) land.
“Six of the seven projects have been approved while another is still being studied.
“All this is part of efforts to resolve social and crime problems due to the influx of foreigners in local residential areas,” he told newsmen here today.
He was met after launching Penang’s first CAT — Westlite Bukit Minyak — built by owner-operator of workers accommodation, Centurion Corporation Limited, through its subsidiary, Westlite Accommodation.
Present were state Local Government and Housing Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo and Centurion Corporation Limited managing director for the accommodation business Tony Bin.
Jagdeep said the idea to set up the CAT came about during his visit to Singapore in 2015, when he visited similar facilities there.
“After a few years, I am glad that we get to implement it here. I hope it can resolve social problems in our society,” he added.
Westlite Bukit Minyak, built at a cost of RM72.3 million, comprises 366 units of apartment with 6,600 beds. It also comes with recreational facilities, study room and exercise room.
Employers will pay RM130 for each of their worker every month for the accommodation.