Chow: State govt has responded to Peel Ave resident's concern regarding hospital

GEORGE TOWN: The state government has responded to all the concerns raised by residents of Peel Avenue on the proposed private hospital, said Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow.
He said the residents have raised a total of nine issues, including the traffic congestion and lack of parking space in the area.
"All the issues raised have been received by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP)," he said during the question and answer session at the Penang legislative assembly.
Chow was responding to a written question by Datuk Muhamad Farid Saad (BN-Pulau Betong), who is seeking an explanation on the planning and development status of the Island Hospital expansion proposal.
He also revealed that the owner of the hospital, Island Hospital Sdn Bhd (IHSB) have submitted their planning permission for the project, which has since been received by MBPP's One Stop Centre (OSC) on June 23.
Chow said the documents are being reviewed.
He said the sale and purchase agreement was signed between Chief Minister Incorporation (CMI) and IHSB on Dec 19, 2016.
IHSB paid 20 percent (RM156 million) of the sum in 2016, with 40 percent to be paid 14 days after the hospital obtained approval from the Health Ministry, and the remaining 40 percent after another 30 days.
Chow said the entire Island Hospital expansion project may be called off if IHSB failed to obtain approval.
"The project may be called off if there is no licence to operate from the Health Ministry," he said.
Meanwhile, a group of disgruntled residents from Miami Green Condominium staged a peaceful protest outside the state legislative assembly building.
The group's spokesperson Leslie Ling said the condo residents want the state government to stop all hillslope development with immediate effect.
"As we all know following the landslide tragedy at Tanjung Bungah, many residents have expressed their concerns and want the state government to act.
The group were not able to submit a memorandum to the chief minister, as they were not allowed entry by security personnel.