GEORGE TOWN – Property developers and other organisations can play a key role in improving Penang’s liveability by helping local authorities develop green lung zones, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said today.
Chow said it would be to everyone’s benefit, including the developers, if they work with the local councils to build parks and similar amenities instead of simply carving out empty plots for the authorities as part of concessions for their projects.
“Why don’t the developers help us to provide social amenities to the community we all served together? That would be better,” Chow told reporters after launching the Desa Mawar neighbourhood park at Air Itam here.
Chow said green lung areas would help attract more investors, who also regard quality living and good social amenities as among the reasons to invest in Penang.
He said Penang last year recorded a record RM76 billion in foreign direct investment in the manufacturing sector.
“We have this saying that what is the point of luring investors if the local residents do not benefit. Hence our move to improve the living standards. We think global, nationally but act locally. That is our motto,” said Chow.
State executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo said the state has spent nearly RM7.4 million on landscaping work in open spaces and planted 327,000 trees since 2008, with plans to plant another 500,000 trees over the medium term.
He said that there are now 320 open spaces in the state, which the local authorities have been directed to turn into green lungs.
Meanwhile, when asked about a protest by the Tanjung Bungah Residents’ Association regarding a promise to build a linear park at a housing estate there, Chow said a developer has been entrusted to complete it. – The Vibes, March 27, 2022
