GEORGE TOWN – As another traditional village in Penang is poised to be bulldozed and its residents evicted, senator Mohd Yusmadi Mohd Yusoff is calling for a clear policy that takes into account the significance of culture and heritage.
Despite trying to help the 13 affected families in Kg Jalan Baru, Balik Pulau, he said other factors , apart from profit, should be considered when developing an area.
“I am not anti-development, but what I am calling for is humane development, one that relates to being humane and taking into account the cultural factors of an area.
“Therefore, I urge the concerned parties, state government or local government to do something about it. Come up with policies or a diplomatic approach to address this,” he told The Vibes.
Kg Jalan Baru is the latest village to fall victim to development. Previously, Indian villages Kg Buah Pala and Kg Pondok Upih, one of the oldest Malay villages Kg Tg Tokong and Chinese fishing village Kg Kuala Jalan Baru were bulldozed to make way for property projects.
“My main call is for federal and state governments to have policies and laws to protect traditional villages. Currently, we do not have such policies and laws.”
He said the matter requires urgent attention due to pace of development in the area.
“Behind the village (Kg Jalan Baru), there are more than 100 units of low-cost housing surrounded by padi fields that have changed the character of the area.
“It is important to protect what is left for the future generation,” he said, adding that if this issue is not addressed, Balik Pulau, though known to be a village town, will lose its charm as more development creeps in.
The land that Kg Jalan Baru sits on has been purchased by a pharmaceutical company.
On March 30, the Balik Pulau magistrates’ court will decide on the summary application by the landowner. – The Vibes, March 23, 2021
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