THE Chief Minister of Penang, Chow Kon Yeow, has emphasised that contractors must be held accountable if structural damage to homes and other issues in Kampung Bagan Jermal, Tanjong Tokong, are linked to reclamation work under the Gurney Bay development project.
Chow said the state government has been made aware of several complaints from residents, which have been formally submitted in letters of objection.
He confirmed that the matter has been referred to the state’s Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Executive Councillor, Zairil Khir Johari, for further investigation and follow-up action.
“We will ensure that if the problems are caused by the project, the contractor must take full responsibility to repair any damage and prevent it from worsening,” Chow told reporters following the State Honours and Awards ceremony held in Georgetown last night.
He added that the complaints have been formally acknowledged by Zairil, who serves as Chairman of the technical committee overseeing development works in the area.
Residents of Kampung Bagan Jermal have recently expressed concerns over recurrent flash floods, which they believe are a direct consequence of the land reclamation activities associated with the Gurney Bay project. Media reports have highlighted the community’s fears that continued reclamation could exacerbate both flooding and structural instability in their homes.
The Chief Minister’s statement underscores the state government’s commitment to monitoring the project closely and ensuring that any adverse impacts on local communities are addressed promptly and responsibly. - November 22, 2025
