PDC plans new Request for Proposal for Batu Kawan land

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Development Corporation (PDC) will be calling for a new Request for Proposal (RFP) after the award of a 449.64-acre plot in Batu Kawan, Penang, was rescinded as detailed studies found that a proposed 18-hole golf course would need more space.
PDC general manager Datuk Rosli Jaafar said the new RFP was necessary as the technical requirements to make the project viable departed from the earlier RFP.
“PDC is also of the view that the calling of the fresh RFP by open tender is the best way forward to enable the development of the 18-hole international golf course and related mixed development to proceed smoothly,” he said in a statement yesterday.
The letter of award (LoA) for the original RFP was issued to Eco World Development Bhd for the development of an 18-hole international golf course on 150 acres of land, leaving the remaining land available for mixed development, referred to as Eco Marina.
However, studies by Eco World found the golf course needed an additional 150 acres, which would adversely impact the viability of the project.
Jaafar noted that the decision to rescind the award was a mutual agreement between PDC and Eco World.
“It was agreed that a mutual rescission of the LoA is the best option in view of the need to adhere to the specifications of the original RFP,” he added.