GEORGE TOWN, May 13 — Building for the just-approved Workers’ Village in Bukit Tambun is now on hold pending a public hearing on the project, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng announced today.
Lim said Bukit Tambun assemblyman Law Choo Kiang had asked for the public hearing on the dormitory complex to house locals and foreign workers on 18 acres of land, though he added that it was not necessary for the project’s go-ahead.
“I’ve received the report from the MPSP President Datuk Maimunah Mohd Shariff and approval was given when the applicant have met all technical specifications to build a workers’ village not only for locals but also for foreign workers,” he told a news conference at the state legislative assembly building here.
“I, as the state planning committee chairman, agree with Law that a public hearing be held,” he said.
Lim said the Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) had approved the application to build giant worker housing project but will now withhold sending out the approval letter to the developer pending the outcome of the public hearing.
“As long as the letter is not sent out, the project will not start yet,” he said.
When asked about another Workers’ Village in nearby Juru, Lim said it is still pending approval.
Both proposed projects have received objections by residents in both areas.
About 300 Juru residents held a peaceful demonstration against the Juru project on Monday, citing social problems if it went ahead.
* A previous version of this report erroneously stated that the Workers’ Village is in Juru. This has since been rectified.
