PENANG wants all stakeholders to offer input into the long-awaited Penang Structure Plan when its draft is made available for the public.
This is because the master plan on the state's development policy needs to be comprehensive, balanced and meets the needs of the communities, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
The master plan has been delayed on a couple of occasions, but it is expected to be enacted by next year.
"The masterplan is now just a technical document. It represents the way forward. It represents our lifestyle, jobs, mobility and development in the next 15 - years."
According to Chow, the seafood haven Bukit Tambun, has been identified as a growth township under the masterplan.
It is listed as a Tier 3 township and part of the rapid growth area in mainland Prai.
The township is now listed as a highly congested area so there are plans to install good public transport there, said Chow after holding a briefing for the Bukit Tambun constituents.
Present was the state assemblyman Goh Choon Aik and state exco for local government Jason H'ng Mooi Lye.
The masterplan which was done by the town and planning department planners and PLANMalaysia northern region office, was based on input and recommendations by various quarters including civil society.
Chow said that there is a need to implement a new traffic system and smart utilisation of space as well as an effective public transport system for the ratepayers there.
Emphasis would also be given to aquaculture areas because they contribute to the micro - economy and to the nation's food security, he added.
Chow also stressed that the housing area which has encroached nearer to the aquaculture schemes, also needs to be re-examined to ensure that the needs of both the residents and breeders can be met.
The masterplan cannot be one-sided; it needs input from all, the residents, organisations and civil societies here, said Chow, the Batu Kawan MP.
The masterplan has been a source of controversy, primarily driven by civil society groups (NGOs) who argue against environmentally sensitive developments, large-scale land reclamation, and a perceived lack of public participation.
There are also backlashes against hillslope development, the transport masterplan which encompasses the now approved Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, mass reclamation and possible impact to the Unesco World Heritage Site status. - December 21, 2025.
