Penang Govt Yet to Finalise RM1 Billion Jelutong Landfill Redevelopment Plan
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has yet to determine the future of the proposed RM1 billion rehabilitation and reclamation project involving the Jelutong landfill as environmental and technical concerns continue to surround the controversial development.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state administration is still awaiting a formal presentation from Penang Development Corporation (PDC) before the state executive council makes any final decision on the project.
According to him, the briefing is expected to be held next week after this week’s exco meeting was postponed due to a public holiday.
“We have not made any decision yet. PDC will present the matter to the state exco next week,” he told reporters after attending the launch of the “Oh Malaysiaku” music video in George Town.
The project developer, PLB Engineering Berhad, is reportedly seeking an extension of time (EOT) from PDC, which serves as the owner of the redevelopment project.
Earlier, state exco member Jason H’ng Mooi Lye said documents related to the EOT request were initially scheduled to be presented to the state executive council on May 20.
EIA Approval Remains a Key Obstacle
The redevelopment proposal has continued to attract public scrutiny after the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) application was rejected for the fifth time by the Department of Environment (DoE) earlier this year.
It is understood that the developer has since submitted a revised application after making several amendments and improvements to comply with environmental requirements and regulatory conditions.
Back in 2020, Penang Development Corporation entered into an agreement with PLB Engineering Berhad to rehabilitate and redevelop the Jelutong landfill at an estimated cost of RM1 billion.
Apart from restoring the landfill site, the proposal also involves reclaiming approximately 30 hectares of coastal waters off Karpal Singh Drive.
Environmental Concerns Continue to Grow
While supporters view the project as a major redevelopment opportunity capable of generating economic growth, environmental groups and community activists have continued expressing concerns about its potential impact on Penang’s marine ecosystem.
Protect Karpal Singh Drive Action Committee remains among the groups strongly opposing the proposal, urging authorities to cancel the project entirely due to biodiversity and environmental preservation concerns.
Critics argue that the proposed reclamation area is located too close to the Middle Bank marine sanctuary, an ecologically sensitive zone off Penang’s coastline.
The sanctuary spans roughly 10 square kilometres and contains the only known seagrass bed in the Straits of Malacca while serving as a habitat for hundreds of marine species including fish, turtles, marine mammals, molluscs and other important aquatic life.
For now, the Penang government has not announced any final outcome regarding the contentious project as it continues reviewing presentations and assessments submitted by the relevant authorities and stakeholders.
