Battle lines drawn over Tanjung Bungah 'Sore Thumb' seaside park
GEORGE TOWN: A standoff has emerged between the Penang government and residents over the controversial development of the “Sore Thumb” coastal park in Tanjung Bungah.
A clash has erupted between the Penang government and Tanjung Bungah residents over the contentious construction of a seaside park in the Tanjung Bungah area. Tanjung Bungah Residents Association (TBRA) chairman Zulfikar Aziz has dismissed claims by state executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari that community concerns over the project have largely been resolved.
Zairil had stated that the state government went above and beyond to address residents' grievances by including two public access points, 51 parking spaces, and native coastal planting in the latest designs.
Zulfikar, however, maintains that only one issue remains unresolved and questions the motives behind recent protests. He urged dissidents to follow proper channels rather than staging demonstrations at this stage. But TBRA's stance is rooted in significant concerns regarding ecology, slope safety, and coastal integrity. Zulfikar argues that the plan threatens the natural promontory, its mature vegetation, wildlife habitat, and public beach.
The association opposes any alteration to the promontory, felling of mature trees, or construction of retaining walls above the high-water mark, which could lead to irreversible erosion. They also argue that parking bays should not be carved into the hillside but rather utilize the existing roundabout. Furthermore, Zulfikar emphasizes the importance of preserving the promontory's ecological refuge and warns against compromising slope safety.
He calls for the inclusion of independent engineers from Sahabat Alam Malaysia and the community in the design team.
The dispute is expected to reach a critical stage on November 16, when the State Legal Adviser's Office convenes a meeting involving technical agencies, the developer, and residents. Meanwhile, Tanjung Bungah residents have staged a protest outside the state legislative assembly building, demanding the immediate halt of the developer's plans to transform the natural Sore Thumb promontory into a private five-storey wellness center.
They accuse authorities of breaking promises by allowing public coastal land to be used for a private development. The promontory, which has regenerated into a habitat for otters, white-faced dusky leaf monkeys, and sea eagles, was formed after illegal dumping about two decades ago.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
