Still no decision on controversial RM1b Jelutong landfill project, says Penang CM

“GEORGE TOWN, May 25 — The Penang government is yet to make any decision on the proposed RM1 billion Jelutong landfill rehabilitation and reclamation project pending presentation from Penang Development Corporation (PDC). Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said PDC is yet to make a presentation on the project to the state exco. “This Wednesday is a holiday so PDC will present to the state exco next week,” he told reporters after launching a “Oh Malaysiaku” music video at 1st Avenue Mall here. The developer of the proposed project was scheduled to present working papers on the project to apply for an extension of time. Previously, state exco Jason H’ng Mooi Lye said the developer, PLB Engineering Berhad, will be applying to project owner, Penang Development Corporation, for an extension of time (EOT). He also said PDC was supposed to present the working papers in relation to the EOT to the state exco on May 20. The Jelutong landfill (on the right). — Picture by Opalyn Mok The project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) application was rejected by the Department of Environment (DoE) for the fifth time in March this year. It is understood that PLB Engineering has resubmitted another application after updating the application in accordance with the conditions set by the DoE. Penang Development Corporation signed a deal with PLB Engineering Bhd to rehabilitate and develop the Jelutong landfill at a cost of RM1 billion back in 2020. The project included the reclamation of 30ha of land off Karpal Singh Drive. Protect Karpal Singh Drive Action Committee members have repeatedly called for the project to be cancelled due to environmental concerns especially its proximity to the middle bank marine sanctuary. The middle bank marine sanctuary spreads around 10 square kilometres in the waters of the South Channel between Penang island and the mainland. It is home to the only seagrass bed in the Straits of Malacca and a study has revealed that a total 429 species of seagrass, trees, vegetation, fish, birds, marine mammals, turtles, molluscs, arthropods and echinoderms were found there.

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