Penang targets completion of 50% reclamation, 60% hill development by 2040

Penang plans to reclaim 50% of its identified reclamation areas and develop 60% of selected hill land by 2040, according to its draft 2040 structure plan. The plan, currently open for public inspection, sets a target of reclaiming 25% of the identified areas by 2030 and 50% by 2040. However, it does not provide specific details on the total area mentioned in the targets or a breakdown of the projects.

The plan also aims to protect Middle Bank as a marine sanctuary, which was considered last year after concerns were raised about its potential impact on nearby developments and stricter environmental requirements. The draft also proposes allowing development on selected hill land above 76m in elevation, with the condition that slopes should not exceed 25 degrees and state approval is required.

The Middle Bank protection is part of the plan, which aims to gazette the area as a marine sanctuary by 2040, along with all biodiversity areas under the measure. The Penang Gateway, a proposed mixed development on reclaimed land along the northern coast from Tanjung Bungah to Batu Ferringhi, is also mapped out in the draft. However, specific details like land area, cost, developer's name, and construction timeline are not provided.