Private hospital project: Public consultation required

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Citizens Awareness Chant Group (pix) today proposed that the state government do a public consultation for the construction of a private hospital in Lebuh Peel, here.
Its adviser Yan Lee said the DAP-led Penang state government should explain to the people what they were planning to do on the 3.24-hectare land that had been sold to a private company, Island Hospital Sdn Bhd.
"Again, we call for a public consultation on this project, do it like the Gamuda SRS consultants. Open it to the people and let them know because this is the rakyat's land, Penang's land. You must be able to do that (public consultation).
"As long as the people have been informed about it, we will shut up. All we want is that the people are properly informed and we will take this no further," he told reporters, here, today.
In June this year, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng announced that the state government sold a piece of land worth RM156 million at Peel Avenue to Island Hospital Sdn Bhd for the construction of a 'medical city' project.
Lim was reported to have said that the land owned by Chief Minister Incorporated had been alienated to the hospital on a 99-year lease, with a RM30 million down payment, while the remaining payment was to be settled within three months, after acquiring a licence from the Health Ministry.
Meanwhile, Yan Lee urged the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to do a heritage impact assessment study as it is believed that two heritage buildings on the land would be demolished if the project is approved.
"Island Hospital had filed for planning permission for this area. They didn't mention that they were asking for these heritage buildings to be demolished, but it is obvious they will build something here and these buildings will go.
"Our experts have confirmed to us the buildings are Category II buildings in the heritage conservation category. Under this category, these buildings cannot be demolished," he said.
He also questioned the state government on the purpose of building 380 units of medical suites that are allegedly included in the private hospital construction project, besides a 400-room hotel.
"Tell us, are these medical suites for sale or for lease to make money. Why do you need 380 medical suites if you already want to build a hotel.
Penang's George Town is World Heritage Site. We try our hardest to check on the state government to conserve heritage buildings," he said. — Bernama