Over decision not to have moratorium

> Concerns raised on whether state would carry out proper enforcement on hillside developments

GEORGE TOWN: Penang’s civil societies, through its umbrella body the Penang Forum, have rejected the decision by the state government to not impose a moratorium on all forms of hillslope development.

The state executive councillors’ meeting had deliberated on the proposed moratorium following the deadly landslide which killed 11 construction workers at a housing site off Lengkok Lembah Permai in Tanjung Bungah.

State housing committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the present measures to control hillslope development was more than adequate, adding that the state will continue to enforce a ban on any development at a slope angle of above 76m from sea level.

Forum’s associate member, Manuel Nicholas, said members were concerned whether the state will conduct proper enforcement of its regulations at all times.

“Enforcement is one of the main worries among the civil societies in Penang,” said Nicholas, who is a Sungai Ara Residents Association committee member.

Tanjung Bungah Residents Association president Meenakshi Raman said the interpretation of the special projects need to be clearer.

“The forum members are fine if the projects are for essential services for the state. What we do not want is for special projects to entail condominium projects that only benefit house buyers but not the public.”

Their views was echoed by Taman Sri Nibong Residents Association committee member Jeffrey Ho, who said the state should adopt a total ban on all forms of hillslope development. He suggested that the state consider relocating the concentration of projects to the mainland where there is more land.

In another development, the Penang Island City Council accused the Department of Environment of not being transparent over the issue of approval for the affordable housing project where the landslide occurred.