Be realistic on land reclamation, Jagdeep urges public

Published by The Vibes• 07/10/2021• 12:49 pm

Penang exco Jagdeep Singh Deo (centre) says with the latest technology, sustainability issues will not be so bad. – The Vibes pic, October 7, 2021

GEORGE TOWN – The public has to be realistic about urban regeneration and land reclamation, taking into account land scarcity and a booming population, said Penang Local Government, Housing, and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo.

“We need to look at examples set by island countries like Singapore and Hong Kong – although Penang is strict with development on hilltops.

“We need to look at a feasible and sustainable compromise,” he said after an event at the Havana Beach Residences in Sg Tiram, George Town, today.

Jagdeep said there have been complaints about land reclamation, but issues pertaining to sustainability are from 20 to 30 years ago.

“With the latest technology, it will not be so bad.”

He added that there are a lot of challenges when it comes to building affordable housing on the island because of the land scarcity.

As an example, he pointed to the state’s urban regeneration programme at 5 Point Blocks in Lorong Mahsuri 10, Bayan Baru, that is expected to begin early next year.

“With urban regeneration, 200 to 300 units can now be 600 to 700 units. Five-storey buildings can now be 20-storey buildings. (Additionally,) 300 to 400 sq ft units can be turned into bigger units ranging from 700 to 850 sq ft.

“That is why I am asking private developers to look into affordable housing. That is why not many developers are my friends.”

He also requested Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to detail the 500,000 affordable homes plan under the 12th Malaysia Plan.

“He has not said how units will be in Penang. Currently, we have about one to two affordable housing projects from the federal government. That is minimal.

“The rest of the current projects are initiated by the state or work with private developers.

“We need to know how many and when. We have to work together, after all, we are ‘Keluarga Malaysia’. If that is the case, as a member of this family, I am asking these questions.” – The Vibes, October 7, 2021