Tanjung Bungah residents seek decision on Sore Thumb park by Sept 20

Tanjung Bungah residents are pressing the Penang government to make a written decision by September 20 regarding their proposal to transform Sore Thumb, a coastal area and beach, into a natural coastal park. The residents are seeking the state's adoption of their plan and the involvement of the public in the park's design. The Tanjung Bungah Residents Association and residents have been negotiating with the government for over four years concerning the development of Lot 4658, which encompasses the Sore Thumb area.

The state had previously promised residents consultation and a two-acre seaside public park as part of the development. However, despite numerous follow-ups, the residents have not received any information on whether their proposal has been assessed, accepted, or incorporated into the park's design. The residents are now demanding a written decision on five key issues: the adoption of their proposal, the preservation of Sore Thumb and the public beach, their meaningful involvement in the park's design, protection from irreversible clearing and concrete-heavy construction, and a binding implementation process and timetable.

The residents have outlined a natural-park proposal, emphasizing the preservation of Sore Thumb, the coastline, the public beach, biodiversity, and the area's natural character while ensuring public access through nature trails and scenic points. They warn that clearing mature trees and destroying habitats will have long-term and irreversible consequences.

The New Straits Times has contacted Zairil Khir Johari, the state executive councillor involved in the negotiations, for a comment, and they are awaiting his response.