Penang grants Jelutong landfill extension until Oct 2026, project faces scrutiny over EIA concerns

Penang state government has granted an additional year for the RM1 billion Jelutong landfill rehabilitation and development project, managed by PLB Engineering Berhad. The extension, until October 18, 2026, followed an application submitted to the state executive council on August 5. The project aims to safely close the Jelutong landfill, provide new sites for construction waste and marine clay disposal, and develop the rehabilitated area.

The extension was granted to finalize remaining processes and meet conditions from technical agencies. The government also pledged to monitor the project closely to ensure compliance with technical and legal requirements. The decision comes amid criticism over the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the project, with concerns over repeated extensions, revisions to payment structures, and the coastal reclamation plan.

Non-governmental organisations have questioned whether the developer is receiving special accommodations due to the project's delays and financial restructuring.