Penang state government clarifies that only a 280-metre branch lane off Pantai Bersih Road is being considered for renaming, not the main thoroughfare.
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang state government has clarified that only a 280-metre lane branching off the main road is being considered for a name change, not Pantai Bersih Road itself.
State Public Transport and Digital Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari (pic) explained this after public concerns that the main road would be renamed ‘Dragon Temple Lane’.
He said the request for the shorter road was submitted over a year ago by Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze with the Thean Hock Kiong Association.
The proposal underwent the usual vetting process but was postponed in 2024 for further information.
“The confusion arose because two roads share the name Pantai Bersih,” Zairil said.
He clarified that the main road stretches from the Butterworth Outer Ring Road to Jalan Gangsa, while the branch road is the 280-metre section.
Zairil also stated that the name ‘Dragon Temple Lane’ has never been officially gazetted or used in government documents.
It has only been informally used by the local community, he noted.
He suggested a name like ‘Jalan Tokong Naga’ could be considered to reflect historical and local identity.
This would align with Malaysian geographic naming guidelines requiring the use of Malay.
“Renaming a road is a complex process,” Zairil said.
He added it requires local resident consent, consultations, and updates to official documents like ID cards.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow also reassured the public the change only concerns the branch road near the temple.
He urged the public not to be misled by inaccurate information.
The Penang PKR Youth Wing had previously opposed a proposal to rename Pantai Bersih Road.
Residents of the road also planned a peaceful protest against the proposed name change.
