GEORGE TOWN: A PKR leader today has urged the DAP-led state government to stop selling anymore state land, especially to foreigners.
PKR Tanjung division chief Ng Chek Siang said since there was only limited amount of state land left, the state government must decide wisely on ways to develop Penang in line with the needs of its people.
Ng said housing has always been a point of contention for many Penangites and problems associated with housing included affordability and location.
He said as land is a scarce commodity, prices kept on increasing especially on the island state.
"As such, I strongly urge the state government not to sell anymore state land, especially to foreigners.
"Save whatever land we have left for our future generations – make them into green lungs, build public housing or just anything that will be beneficial to the public except selling them for a profit.
"Helping Penangites improve their livelihood and environment should be a duty and first priority of the state government!" he said in a statement.
The DAP-led administration has constantly come under fire from various quarters, accusing it of selling land to foreigners, which could be developed to help the locals.
There were also reports that foreigners, mostly from Singapore, purchasing pre-war shophouses in George Town and renting them out many times the previous rate, sparking complaints by locals.