THE Penang Development Corporation, as the lead developer of the now disused Jelutong landfill, continues to weigh its choices on the redevelopment of the area after its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was rejected.
The Department of Environment (DOE) has rejected the fifth application by the contractor to redevelop the prime land, including reclaiming part of the parcel to treat the decades-old landfill remnants.
State executive councillor Jason H'ng Mooi Lye, who oversees the local government portfolio, said that PDC will study the matter despite objections from civil society and the Department of Environment here.
The controversial proposal drew a wide rebuke by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) led by the Karpal Singh Drive residents' action group.
H'ng told journalists at the sidelines of the 15th state legislative sitting here that PDC will study the technical aspects, including the suggestion by the main contractor, PLB Engineering, to extend the application period.
"The DOE has rejected the application because certain conditions were left unfulfilled by the contractor. We need to study the matter further."
The action group opposing it has cited one major reason, which is the possible harm it does to the Middle Bank seagrass meadow - a wildlife habitat.
PLB Engineering plans to resubmit a fresh application to the DOE soon, while PDC is also studying the possibility of changing the scope of the original proposal.
"The state exco will also discuss the matter next week," said H'ng.
Among the suggestions is to construct a public recreation park on the landfill site, he said. - May 9, 2026.
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