Tanjung Tokong high-rise project approved

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Island City Council has given the go-ahead to a high-rise project in Tanjung Tokong here in a move which could stroke fears of overdevelopment on the island.

Mayor Datuk Patahiyah Ismail said approval was granted as the developer had met all the guidelines to proceed with the development.

She added the building plan was also approved and stressed no permission would be given if there was no compliance.

She refuted suggestions of residents nearby were not consulted saying those affected within a 20m radius were consulted.

“Approval will not be given to any developer if the guidelines are not followed,” she told a press conference after chairing the full City Council meeting today.

Earlier this month, about 20 residents near the project had expressed their fears over environmental degradation as the project was on a field adjacent to a mangrove area.

The project consists of two blocks of 40-storey apartments on a 1.48ha plot of land which will have 572 units.

City Council councillor Dr Lim Mah Hui had also earlier urged for more discretion in approving high-rise development.

He claimed the public was not happy over what he described as overdevelopment and called for more sensitivity and engagement with the public.
“Now is the time to enhance engagement with the public,” he said in his speech before the meeting adjourned.
Recently there have been groups expressing concerns over alleged overdevelopment on Penang Island.
This includes government backbencher and Pulau Tikus assemblyman Yap Soo Huey who earlier this month urged the council to withhold approval for high-rise projects in her constituency

Tanjung Bungah assemblyman Teh Yee Cheu also expressed his concerns over the Tanjung Tokong development.