GEORGE TOWN, March 3 – About 20 protesters from Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) and residence from Taman Siara 81 had hold a peaceful demonstration to urged City Council of Penang Island (MBPP) to seriously consider the objections raised by residents of Taman Siara 81 and neighbouring landowners on a proposed high density development on Lots 586 and 675 in Sungai Ara here this morning.

CAP President S.M. Mohamed Idris said the developer, Potential Dual Sdn. Bhd. has proposed to build a block of 34-storey apartment comprising of two towers of 25-storey affordable homes and one block of 25-storey low medium cost homes. He said that the development consists of a 7-storey vehicle parking lot, 2-storey shop lot and other amenities which is with the total number of housing units proposed is 750.

In the meantime, he said the residents have raised their objection on the proposed development here based on the carrying capacity of the area, use of road in the housing estate, under capacity of existing drainage system, threat to flora and fauna in the orchards and hill here, possible closure of access to a hill road popularly used for mountain biking and walking.

“The high density policy introduced by the Penang State government in 2012 whereby the density of residential projects was increased from 30 units per acre to 87 units per acre is the crux of the problem as it worsens congestion and does not seriously consider capacity of a said area in the island,” Idris said.

He said just recently the media reported that the city council was formulating a policy to hike up the density further to 122 units per acre following a directive from the State Planning Committee. He asked that are these higher density projects to fulfil demand of affordable housing or just to fulfil the developers.

“Approval for developers to build high density high rise without due consideration given to the natural environment and carrying capacity will have adverse impacts on livability or quality of life of not only the occupants but also others in the surrounding areas, as apparent in this case,” he said. 

“The changes and pace of development in Penang that we are witnessing now is beyond comprehension and we are very concerned of the approaching catastrophe. It is prudent for the State to ponder about the direction that we are heading for and about the effects these changes will have on our environment and on ourselves, the people of Penang,” he added.

In the meantime, the residents of Taman Siara 81 also comment that the development is too high density at 34 storey high and 750 units which may cause few issues such as the building may cause cramming and safety hazards to residents going in and out from their residence due to the roads are just about 30 feet cannot accommodate for such high density development.

Besides that, the residents also said that it may also causes the Taman to flood due to the existing drainage cannot accommodate for hydraulic discharge from the project. Meanwhile, the development will also threaten flora and fauna not to mention the habitat of the animals living there.

“Based on the plan given by MBPP, there are future plans to convert the whole hill into development causing massive destruction to the environment. Road closure will prevent other landowners up the hill from accessing their properties and prevent healthy sports activities such as mountain biking activities by members of public up Carpet trail,” the residents said.

“We hope that MBPP will not approve the project and also the State Government must not be prejudiced in approving the project just because this is an affordable homes development. They must look at the interest of all parties before approving it. We hope that State Government may solve our issues before construction works begin. We just want our government to preserve the natural beauty and green lung of Penang,” they said during the protest on this morning.

 

Pocket News

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