GEORGE TOWN, Aug 14 — The identification of the coastal area from Tanjung Bungah to Batu Ferringhi as a potential area for reclamation in the Penang State Structure Plan 2040 (Review) (RSNPP 2040) does not mean that the state government has decided to implement the project.
State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the area was only identified as a location with potential for future reclamation based on studies including geographical and hydrological aspects.
“However, whether it will continue or when it will be implemented, that has not been decided by the state government,” he told reporters at Komtar when commenting on the new reclamation area identified in the final draft of RSNPP 2040 involving the coastline between Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi.
Zairil said the same thing happened when the Middle Bank area was identified as a potential area for reclamation in the previous structure plan, but it was not implemented.
He stressed that the state government can from time to time identify areas with potential for reclamation as part of long-term planning, but the implementation of a project remains subject to the state government’s consideration and decision.
Meanwhile, Zairil, who is also the Tanjong Bunga State assemblyman said any large-scale reclamation proposal in the northern part of the island, including Batu Ferringhi, must first consider solutions to traffic congestion issues.
The final draft of the RSNPP 2040 is reported to identify new reclamation areas along the northern coast of Penang, including Batu Ferringhi, with the proposal known as the “Penang Gateway” having the potential to stimulate growth in the tourism, services, trade and property development sectors. — Bernama
