No Batu Ferringhi reclamation in the works, says Penang govt

Penang's government has stated that they are not currently planning any land reclamation in the Batu Ferringhi coastal area, according to Infrastructure Committee Chairman Zairil Khir Johari. During a recent statement, Zairil explained that the Penang State Structure Plan 2040 merely identifies the stretch of land from Tanjung Bungah to Batu Ferringhi as a potential area for future reclamation based on geographical and hydrological studies.

However, the final decision on whether reclamation will proceed or even when it will be implemented remains under the administration's discretion. Zairil emphasized that this does not constitute a government decision to redevelop the area. He further noted that this issue has arisen before, such as when Middle Bank - a mudflat with significant marine life - was also identified as a potential reclamation site in a previous plan, but no action was taken.

Zairil pointed out that traffic congestion on the northern part of Penang island would need to be addressed as a priority in any large-scale reclamation project.