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

Penang state government has extended the timeline for the Jelutong landfill rehabilitation project until October 18, 2026, by granting a further extension of time (EOT) to PLB Engineering Berhad (PLBE). The extension was approved by the state executive council on August 5, according to H’ng Mooi Lye, chairman of the state Local Government and Town and Country Planning Committee.

The RM1 billion project aims to safely close the Jelutong landfill, establish a new site for construction waste and marine clay disposal, and develop the rehabilitated area. H’ng stated that the extension was granted to enable PLBE to complete outstanding processes and fulfill conditions and requirements set by technical agencies.

The decision considered the agreed project plans and the interests of all involved parties, with the government pledging to closely monitor the project's execution. The extension comes amid scrutiny over the project's environmental impact assessment (EIA) and concerns over coastal reclamation off Karpal Singh Drive. In June, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow revealed that the state government had consulted the Department of Environment (DoE) regarding the EIA application.

Chow emphasized the importance of adhering to the proper process before making a final decision. Non-governmental organization Protect Karpal Singh Drive Action Committee had previously raised questions about the developer's treatment under the Jelutong Landfill Joint Development Agreement, including repeated extensions, revised payment structures, and the extent of the coastal reclamation plan.

They also questioned the justification of financial restructuring and the delays in project commencement following previous EIA rejections.