Stop turning blind eye to hill slope development, Penang govt told

GEORGE TOWN: The DAP-led state government has turned a blind eye towards the imminent danger of hill slope development, says a Tanjung Bungah resident.
At a forum-cum-press conference today, geotechnical consultant Aziz Noor from Zeezy Global Sdn Bhd, said the proposed multi-storey mixed development behind the Miami Green Resort Condominium puts the existing residence and its people in danger, should the development take place.
The development, which has been approved on the class four hill, which exceeds 250 feet above sea level and a 35-degree slope on the 12.26 acres, comprises five 29-storey building blocks, two 34-storey serviced apartments with 336 units each and one block of affordable apartments with 197 units.
Not only has it been approved on an environmentally sensitive area, it also contradicts the 2007 Penang Structure Plan that clearly forbids any development above a gradient of 25-degrees and 250 feet above sea-level.
"The design of one development does not guarantee safety. A Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (Deia) must be conducted and reviewed. This development puts the place and people in imminent danger," he stated.
The residents have vented their frustration multiple times since last November. They have yet to receive any response from the state government and Penang Island City Council (MBPP).
Lim Liew Ming said the residents, together with the Tanjung Bunga residents association had spoken on the matter many times, but none in the government seemed bothered.
"Our lives are at risk. The upcoming development is a ticking time-bomb. Are the authorities waiting for a tragedy to happen, and only then act on it?" she asked.
State Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, Teng Chang Yeow, who is also the BN Tanjong Bunga candidate in the 14th General Election (GE14) on May 9, said the project should have been shelved from the beginning.
"We will put a stop to this. Even if we need to pay compensation," he said.
According to the BN manifesto, they will proclaim highland and hill slope areas of 250 feet above sea level as permanent forest reserves.
Meanwhile, former Bukit Bendera MP Zairil Khir Johari, who is the opposition's Tanjong Bunga candidate said the state government would review the guidelines on hill slope development. — Bernama