Penang CM: Land in Batu Kawan not long-term alternative to PSR

GEORGE TOWN: A government backbencher today asked the Penang government whether land in Batu Kawan could serve as an alternative to the land to be created through the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project.

In his reply to a supplementary question by Goh Choon Aik (PKR - Bukit Tambun), Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said although the land could serve as an alternative now, such would not be the case in the future.

He said this was because the land in Batu Kawan and its surroundings had been earmarked for industrial development, and as such could not be used to fund the state’s infrastructure projects, unlike the three islands to be created under the PSR.

“Even if the PSR is approved, it will take about 15 to 20 years for it to be ready.

“Even if we work on Island A first, the fastest it will take is between eight and 10 years for us to be able to develop the land into its stipulated purpose.

“So, while the land in Batu Kawan can be used as an alternative now, it will not serve the purpose in future,” Chow said.

There are currently 1,160ha of vacant land in Batu Kawan.

However, discussions are underway with investors to develop the majority of the land, leaving only about 80ha of vacant land.

“As you can see, we constantly have new factories opening.

“So, we are continuously sourcing for new land to acquire, including 249ha in east Batu Kawan, south Penang Science Park (70ha) and Byram (313ha),” he added.

It was reported that the reclaimed islands, with a total land area of 1,800ha, would be used to fund the state government’s ambitious RM46 billion Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).

The PTMP project, which was announced in 2015, consists of a light-rail transit (LRT) system, an undersea tunnel and three paired highways, among others.

Environmentalists are opposed to the PSR, saying it would adversely impact fishermen’s livelihoods and the marine ecosystem in the southern part of the island.

It was also reported that Island A would house industrial projects to generate funds for the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) as well as residential development.

Island B would accommodate the state administrative offices and commercial properties.

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