ProtectKarpal urges Penang to reject 28ha Jelutong reclamation
GEORGE TOWN:A group has urged the Penang government to reject the proposed 28ha Jelutong reclamation, saying the project exceeds the limits of its development agreement.
Penang's government is being urged to reject a proposed 28ha reclamation project at the Jelutong Waste Disposal Site. The Protect Karpal Singh Drive Action Committee (ProtectKarpal) argues the project exceeds the limits of the existing Joint Development Agreement. While the JDA permits additional land for rehabilitation works, ProtectKarpal contends the proposed area now stands at 28ha, far beyond the initial 4ha permitted for embankment and perimeter wall construction.
The group cites the agreement's definition of "Additional Area" as land approved for perimeter protection solely for rehabilitation purposes. They question whether much of the proposed site will be used for waste processing, which does not inherently require perimeter protection. The Jelutong site, off Karpal Singh Drive, had operated for over 40 years, and the RM1 billion rehabilitation and reclamation project, awarded to PLB Engineering Bhd, has faced repeated rejections of its EIA report by the Department of Environment.
ProtectKarpal warns that repurposing landfill material for marine reclamation could create another disposal site along the coast. They insist on an independent assessment of the material's suitability and safety for such use. The committee also warns the state could terminate the agreement with 30 days' notice if it deems the project not in the state's interest.
They urge the government to clarify the exact amount of additional land needed to secure the landfill perimeter.
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