Latest news with #ProtectKarpal
The Sun
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Penang open to renegotiating Karpal Singh Drive reclamation project
BATU KAWAN: The Penang government has expressed willingness to renegotiate the proposed land reclamation project off Karpal Singh Drive following concerns raised by the NGO ProtectKarpal. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stated that the state remains committed to adhering to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process before making any final decisions. Chow clarified that the public engagement session concluded on June 30, and the developer must address all concerns before proceeding. The project developer has until February next year to secure EIA approval. 'If approval is not granted, the project may not proceed. If approved, we are open to reviewing implementation methods to minimise environmental impact,' he said after officiating a new public market and hawker centre in Bandar Cassia. The ProtectKarpal group, consisting mainly of Karpal Singh Drive residents, raised objections regarding construction methods and environmental risks. They also urged the gazetting of the nearby Middle Bank as a marine sanctuary due to its ecological significance. Chow acknowledged these concerns, stating the state government is open to discussions despite an existing agreement between the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and the developer. 'Adjusting the project scale may require compromises, particularly in land allocation, but balancing development and sustainability is crucial,' he added. The RM1 billion Jelutong landfill redevelopment, initiated in 2020, remains under scrutiny as environmental assessments continue. Meanwhile, the RM46 million Bandar Cassia public market and hawker centre project is set for completion by June 2027. - Bernama
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Penang open to renegotiating reclamation off Persiaran Karpal Singh
BATU KAWAN: The state government has signalled its readiness to renegotiate the proposed land reclamation project off Persiaran Karpal Singh following concerns raised by the ProtectKarpal group. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government remained committed to upholding the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, and any decision would be based on its outcome. The state government has given the project developer until February next year to obtain the EIA approval, he added. "The public hearing ended on June 30 and the company needs to review the concerns raised and address them accordingly," said Chow. "Should the EIA approval not be granted, the project may not proceed. If approved, we can renegotiate and scrutinise the work methods to minimise any issues." He was responding to ProtectKarpal — the Protect Karpal Singh Drive Action Committee, a group protesting the project — which claimed that the state was willing to scale down the reclamation project. Chow confirmed the claim and said the state government was open to considering the group's requests. He also said while an agreement existed between the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and the developer, the state government was open to renegotiation. "Scaling down the project will not necessarily affect the contract, but will require some 'sacrifices' on our part, particularly the land we are supposed to receive from the reclamation. "Sometimes, we have to make sacrifices or adjust our share to ensure a balanced outcome that benefits Penang and protects the environment." ProtectKarpal met Chow more than a week ago and submitted its demands, including a full rejection of the proposed reclamation due to potential ecological damage. It also called for Middle Bank, a seagrass-rich coastal area near the proposed project site, to be immediately gazetted as a marine sanctuary, citing its importance to local fisheries and ecological stability. In 2020, PDC signed a RM1 billion deal with PLB Engineering Bhd to develop and rehabilitate the Jelutong landfill. The site was originally a sanitary landfill, but since 2002, only construction debris and garden waste have been allowed. Earlier, Chow was met at the groundbreaking ceremony for the first and largest market complex in Batu Kawan. Costing RM46 million including earthworks, the project is expected to be completed by June 2027.
Free Malaysia Today
25-06-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Chow open to scaling down reclamation in landfill project, says group
ProtectKarpal chairman AD Chandrasekaran handing the group's list of demands to Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow after their meeting today. (Protect Karpal Singh Drive Action Committee pic) PETALING JAYA : Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow is said to be willing to reduce the scale of land reclamation in a project to rehabilitate a landfill in Jelutong. The Protect Karpal Singh Drive Action Committee (ProtectKarpal), a group protesting the project, said this was based on an engagement with Chow today. 'Chow expressed willingness to explore the options of scaling down the reclamation and adopting an enclosed waste processing facility, rather than the current open-air plan that threatens tens of thousands of residents with toxic dust and gases. 'We are grateful that the chief minister has heard our concerns directly. His openness to alternative, health-focussed strategies gives us real hope,' said ProtectKarpal chairman AD Chandrasekaran in a statement. Chandrasekaran said Chow also agreed to hold a fresh independent survey of social acceptance to the project among affected communities. In 2020, the state government and Penang Development Corporation signed a deal with PLB Engineering Bhd to develop and rehabilitate the Jelutong landfill at a cost of RM1 billion. The landfill, about 3km from George Town's core area, was a sanitary landfill. However, since 2002, only construction debris and garden waste had been allowed to be dumped there. According to a state assembly reply last November, PLB is to prepare a new site for the disposal of construction waste and marine clay, and development plans for the rehabilitated site. A waste-to-energy plant on the reclaimed area was also being considered by the state government. In a Facebook post on Feb 12, the environment department issued a public notice for the proposed rehabilitation and reclamation project, which it estimated would take four to five years to complete. ProtectKarpal presented its demands in its meeting with Chow today, including an outright rejection of the proposed reclamation in view of possible ecological damage. It called for Middle Bank, a seagrass-rich coastal area near the proposed project site, to be immediately gazetted as a marine sanctuary, citing its vital role in local fisheries and ecological stability. The group urged the state government to adopt a greener and safer strategy for rehabilitating the Jelutong landfill, citing global examples such as Seoul where old landfills had been converted into renewable energy hubs or public parks. It also demanded the commissioning of independent environmental and health impact assessments with direct input from scientists and residents as well as full public disclosure of all project documents. 'We demand sustainable progress, not irreversible harm. We stand ready to collaborate on genuinely sustainable, community-driven solutions for Penang's future,' Chandrasekaran said.
Free Malaysia Today
27-04-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Proposed landfill reclamation creates perception of ‘selling out' to China, says NGO
ProtectKarpal chairman AD Chandrasekaran said the four-year recycling, reclamation and 20-year development plan would choke local traffic, displace small businesses along Karpal Singh Drive and erode the area's appeal. (File pic) GEORGE TOWN : An NGO has urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to reject outright the proposed 70-acre reclamation project at the Jelutong landfill, arguing among others that it creates the perception of 'selling out' to China. In a meeting with residents of the Karpal Singh Drive area today, Protect Karpal Singh Drive action committee (ProtectKarpal) chairman AD Chandrasekaran called for the matter to be discussed in the state assembly. 'The DAP-led Penang government and its role in the (ruling) federal coalition risk severe backlash as this arrangement feeds directly into long-standing public concerns about foreign influence. 'If the project is approved, it would confirm critics' accusations against DAP's ethnic Chinese leadership of prioritising China's interests over Malaysian sovereignty, public health and environmental protection. 'Transferring this strategic location to a company directly controlled by the Chinese government raises serious national security implications that cannot be overlooked. 'The state and federal governments must demonstrate their commitment to protecting Malaysian interests,' the NGO also said in a statement. At the centre of the controversy is a land-for-works arrangement involving China Railway Engineering Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd (CRECM), a unit of the China Railway Group. PLB Engineering Bhd's joint development agreement with the Penang government and Penang Development Corporation grants PLB 75% of the 90-acre dumpsite and 70% of any additional reclaimed land in exchange for landfill rehabilitation. A memorandum of understanding between PLB and CRECM also allows the China entity to fund and execute RM1.01 billion of rehabilitation work in return for 90% of PLB's entitled land. Chandrasekaran said under the project, continuous construction and recycling machinery noise is projected to exceed the threshold of 65dB(A) during the day and 60dB(A) at night, thus disrupting sleep, impairing cognition and lowering the quality of life for thousands of residents in the area. He added that the four-year recycling, reclamation and subsequent 20-year development plan would choke local traffic, displace small businesses along Karpal Singh Drive and erode the area's appeal as a recreational and dining precinct. Jelutong MP RSN Rayer, who was present at the meeting, said he would bring the matter up with Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow and Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim.
