Chow defends time extension granted for Jelutong landfill project
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government will follow due legal procedures before deciding whether to proceed with the Jelutong landfill rehabilitation project.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow of Penang has defended the extension of time granted to the Jelutong landfill rehabilitation project by the project's developer, PLB Engineering Bhd. The extension, which runs until October 18, was approved by the state executive council on August 5. Chow emphasized that the extension was part of the legal process to ensure compliance and avoid any legal issues for the state.
This decision comes after interest groups, such as the Protect Karpal Singh Drive Action Committee (ProtectKarpal), questioned the government's commitment to granting no further extensions if the developer fails to obtain environmental impact assessment (EIA) approval by February 28 of this year. The ProtectKarpal group has been vocal in its opposition to the RM1 billion project, citing concerns over its impact on the Middle Bank Marine Sanctuary and potential environmental and public health risks.
Despite the criticism, Chow stated that the government is taking a cautious approach to prevent any potential legal repercussions, including claims for damages.
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