THE fate of the oldest horse racing club in the country is left entirely to its owners to decide, said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow,
Acknowledging that the Penang Turf Club is ending its 161-years tenure by the end of this month, Chow said that whatever happens next to the 81-ha turf club land in Batu Gantong depends on what its private owners propose.
Many members want the land to be sold for commercial development while civil society wants it preserved as a much-needed green recreational lung.
To this, Chow told the state legislative sitting that any redevelopment must follow the existing planning laws of the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and aligned with the Penang2030 vision — the state’s roadmap for a greener and smarter future.
“The land is privately owned and zoned as a development zone 1 for commercial purposes,” he said in a written reply to Lee Khai Loon (PH-Machang Bubok).
“Any request to change its category or conditions must go through the district land office and the state land and mines office before being brought to the local authority for consideration," Chow stressed.
Chow said that the council would assess any proposals from the landowners fairly and require the adoption of smart technology, and safeguards for the environment and heritage elements.
“The state will ensure that decisions are balanced and just for both the applicant and the public. This is to ensure that the project creates jobs and stimulates the economy."
The land is held in trust for the Penang Turf Club by Tan Sri Goh Eng Toon, Ong Eng Khuan, and Teh Choon Beng, under title HSD 20562, Chow confirmed.
Founded in 1864, the club will cease operations after its final horse race on May 31.
It owns one of the island’s last remaining prime land parcels, with estimated values ranging from RM2 billion to RM6 billion.
The club previously attempted to sell the land via an open tender but failed to secure a successful bid.
It now plans to divide the site into smaller parcels to appeal to investors.
Meanwhile, Izhar Shah Arif Shah (Seberang Jaya - PN) called on the state to pay more attention to the plight of the satellite township, which is faced a dual combination of growing congestion and flash flooding.
He said that the state needs to recognise the importance of the township in developing the mainland, so more attention is needed. - May 20, 2025.
