GEORGE TOWN – Penang has inked a supplementary agreement with Rayston Consortium Butterworth Sdn Bhd on the 582ha reclamation project off the Bagan Ajam coastline.
The additional terms cover 243ha out of the 582ha land bank to be reclaimed.
Despite objections from civil societies here, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow represented the state in the event today, which he cited as a positive development for Penang.
“This (fresh) agreement stipulates that Rayston will no longer enjoy sole exclusive rights to the reclaimed land. It allows more leeway for the state on this matter.”
It spells out that the company must complete a master plan of the reclamation project with the local authority (Seberang Prai City Council) within 18 months from June 1 this year, he said in a press release today.
It also holds the consortium to complete the reclamation within six years after obtaining approval from the local authorities.
The additional condition is also for the state to have its 90ha landbank from the project, Chow said after the signing ceremony with the company’s managing director Datuk Ronnie Lim Yew Boon.
Out of the 582ha, 272ha would be devoted to construct public amenities, while 100ha, including 10ha of land replacement, would be under the state.
The remaining acreage is for Rayston to develop, Chow said.
This project was identified as a key transformation project for Butterworth in line with the state’s Vision 2030 of making Penang the most liveable city.
Previously, non-governmental organisations headed by the Consumers Association of Penang have championed for Penang to become a hub for conservation and preservation in view of its designation as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
They had argued that the massive reclamation projects would affect the state’s hydrology systems and ruin traditional fishing spots. – The Vibes, May 25, 2022
