Kg Siam always zoned for commercial use, says Gerakan

GEORGE TOWN: The status of Kampung Siam has always been for commercial use, Penang Gerakan has claimed.
Refuting a claim by Pulau Tikus assemblyman Yap Soo Huey that the land was rezoned from cultural or religious use to commercial use before 1996, Penang Gerakan secretary Oh Tong Keong said they have documents to show the land where the village is situated was always zoned for commercial use.
He called upon Yap to show documents to support the claim instead of blaming the previous administration.
"She should show her proof fast," he said, adding that Gerakan would reveal its documents in the near future during a press conference today.
The 1.7ha village in the Pulau Tikus suburbs is in the spotlight after the site was earmarked for a hotel project.
The move has drawn protests from residents who claim the land was granted to them by the British colonial government in the 1800s.
On Yap urging Penang Barisan Nasional (BN) to lobby the federal government to gazette the village as a heritage site, Oh said such a move was not within their powers.
He said the duty and responsibility in requesting for federal government assistance was with the state administration.
"Gerakan hopes the state can do what is necessary for the benefit of the villagers there," he added.
Yap could not be contacted while a text message seeking a response was not returned at time of writing.