PENANG: The tsunami victims in Penang are unable to move into their new homes because the price is not right, said Bukit Bendera MP Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye.

The state government had set a ceiling price of RM42,000 per unit of low-cost home but the company engaged by the Federal Government to build the houses for tsunami victims was quoting RM52,000 per unit.

Chia said the state government was not agreeable to the price quoted by the company.

"The state has appealed to the Federal Government to look into the matter urgently as the tsunami victims need to move into permanent homes," Chia said after opening the Chief Minister Bowling Tournament organised by the Penang Media Club at Bukit Jambul Complex here yesterday.

The tsunami victims who lost their homes in Dec 2004 have been living in transit longhouses since more than two years ago.

The victims have been complaining that the transit homes have started falling apart with cracks and leakages.

Chia, who is the Deputy Information Minister and Gerakan secretary-general said the housing problems must be settled soon as the new homes would also fall apart if left unattended for a long time.

On a separate matter, he urged the public not to listen to rumours or believe unverified messages sent via SMS. He also called on the media to report responsibly.

"Do not run crime stories without verifying the facts. This is to avoid unnecessary tension that has far-reaching implications if the victim and perpetrator are of different races," he said.