Penang finally unveils first draft island local plan promised in GE14

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 20 — The Penang government made public its draft local plan for the island today, just as the Election Commission announced November 19 for the 15th national poll.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this draft local plan completes one of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition’s manifesto made for the 14th general election four years ago, as the draft for Seberang Perai was on public display a few months ago.

“The draft local plan for the island is nowwon public display to go through the public feedback process,” he said during its launch at the Syed Al-Attas Mansion here.

This is the first Penang island draft local plan presented by the DAP-led state government since it took power in Election 2008.

The last draft Penang island local plan was completed in September 2007 when the state was under Barisan Nasional.

Chow said the pre-draft process took a lot of time as it involved getting feedback from various agencies and professional bodies.

“Now that it is on public display, I hope all stakeholders, Penangites and interested parties will look through it and give their views and feedback,” he said.

The draft local plan can be viewed at the Syed Al-Attas Mansion and Makerspace Balik Pulau from today to December 13.

“The requirement is to put it on public display for a month but we have extended it to two months to give the public ample time to look through it and submit their feedback or objections,” he said.

The public can submit their objections and other feedback to the Penang Island City Council either individually or through an organisation or group.

Among the proposed developments on the draft local plan were two additional land reclamations off the coast of Batu Maung and Jelutong.

There were also proposed LRT stations from Komtar to Permatang Damar Laut and new ferry terminals for water taxies at Batu Maung, Bayan Baru, Pulau Tikus, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang.

The state also proposed expansion of green spaces on the island such as expansion of the Botanics Garden, community parks and recreational parks.