GEORGE TOWN – The Penang Hill cable-car project, panned by civil groups over fears it would lead to overdevelopment in the area, will proceed as a poll has shown that it has overwhelming public support.
State local government exco Jagdeep Singh Deo, at the launch of a public participation exercise on the special area plan (substitution) draft at Komtar today, said the project will take Penang “to the next level”.
“But by the same token, we want to give the people of Penang the opportunity to voice their views. We welcome all views from all Penangites, because want to run a process that will improve Penang Hill.
“More than 90% agreed to the project in a previous census.”
Penang Hill Corporation general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng gave an assurance that the project will be developed sustainably.
“We are not looking to overdevelop (the area), but will ensure sustainable development so that the next generation can enjoy Penang Hill in terms of living (there) and tourism.
“This is just a ‘skeleton’ for how we will develop the hill in a proper way. It is a complex project that involves many agencies.”
He said some 95% of 2,000 people surveyed over two years support the project.
Seven locations have been suggested for the cable car’s lower station, and four for its summit station.
The public can provide feedback from today till December 25 to the Penang Island City Council office at Komtar, Seberang Prai City Council and Penang Hill lower station, or online here.
If the Covid-19 crisis worsens, said Jagdeep, the deadline may be pushed back.
The Penang Hill special area plan was gazetted in 2016. It has been revised to encompass a larger area of the hill, and to incorporate measures such as hill-slope management and landslide prevention. – The Vibes, October 26, 2020
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