Penang may freeze new development projects
The flood situation in Bayan Baru on Wednesday after it rained for almost two hours. File pic: NST Online
The Penang government is considering a freeze of new development projects in Sungai Relau and Sungai Ara area until a detailed study on storm water management is carried out.
This comes on the heels of flash floods hitting many parts of Bayan Baru and Relau here on Wednesday, the worst in recent years, making many roads impassable to light vehicles.
State Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the developer of a river diversion project had been ordered to take immediate measures to desilt Sungai Relau.
“The Drainage and Irrigation Department, the Public Works Department and the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) have ordered the developer to desilt the river.
“We have completed the site visit. We are thinking of freezing new applications for development projects in the area until a detailed study on the drainage system and water storm management is laid out.
“Apart from that, the developer will also be getting Telekom Malaysia Bhd to complete their cable works on the new bridge at Jalan Dato Ismail Hashim. Once completed, I hope flash floods will not occur,” he said, adding that the bridge is expected to reduce traffic congestion in Bayan Baru and Relau.
The flash floods, caused by a downpour which started at 11am, some low-lying areas were knee-deep in water, resulting in many stalled vehicles.
The floods also caused a massive traffic snarl in the Bayan Baru township, home to one of the most densely-populated areas on the island.
Other areas such as Sungai Ara and Paya Terubong were not spared as well.
Meanwhile, Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) said the drainage system in these areas should be looked into to prevent flash floods in the future.
Its president S.M. Mohamed Idris urged the state government to stop high rise developments on the island, which was also believed to have aggravated the flash floods.
“Enough damage is done in the island. I do not think the island can cope with more developments.
“Those times Relau and Bayan Baru area had very poor drainage system and for some time it was under control.
“Once developments take place, it causes flash floods similar to the challenges faced by Penangites back in the 90s,” he said when contacted.
Source: New Straits Times Online
So, is this good or bad things by Penang govt? better late than never?
Personally I felt now too many and too fast.
Unless they improve the road networks and infrastructure greatly to cope…..otherwise, jam gila-gila.
Pg gov want to chop their hefty income from developer?? I dont think they will freeze new project. If freeze, i will be more than happy!
Fellow Property enthusiast……what say u?
SUPPORT FREEZE OR NO?
Personal view, Getting more quality investment or re-investment should be more prioritize than just approval of building excessive housing without sufficient infrastructures.
It’s time, (even though late) they need to analyze deeper before simply approving it.
Hahaha, everything is going haywire. More issues would be cropping up soon.
It’s not as simple as freeze or no freeze, and after that just sitting there and goyang kaki and go around find fault with your p0litical enemies.
As the state gov and a responsible one, you have to introduce policies/rules/regulations that would encourage/influence public/corporate behavior that would result in the convergence to desired social results.
Challenging your enemies to public debates and bringing your critics to court is not the way to achieve that in a modern society.
Let’s support it.
if not we jam and flood till pok kai
I am wonder, so many people interested in properties topic BUT on the infrastructure, flood and traffic jam not interested to discuss it ?
At the end it may impact your livelihood and of course property prices too. We need our govt to take concrete action to solve
@w
They are actually very interested to discuss and scold the gov, but scared because :-
(1) A lot of people here are housing agents and speculators who bought properties in Sg. Ara, Bayan Baru, Relau to flip. So they are trying to quiet down the flood issues, otherwise later cannot flip.
(2) People are scared to scold state gov because you might end up in court
Therefore, “lan lan” no comment lor.
@kk
That is a short-sighted mindset…..they should look at holistic and overall long terms benefits for residents that are sustainable.
@w
Well, what do you expect of flippers? Do you think they understand short-sightedness and sustainability? Hehehe.