GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Forum has called on the state government to ‘freeze’ the guidelines allowing for 87 housing units per acre (0.4ha) pending public consultation and proper planning.

Its steering committee spokesman said the increased density in residential areas could only be allowed if there was a good public transport system to support it.

“Two years ago, the state government almost tripled the density in residential areas from 30 units per 0.4ha to 87.

“One purpose for this was to allegedly make housing more affordable in Penang but this has not been the case as housing is still expensive,” he said in a statement yesterday.

It was reported in September 2010 that the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) had revised the plot ratio guidelines for high-rise property on the island to allow developers to construct more homes per acre.

The spokesperson said the increased density would result in a drop in the state’s quality of life and livability.

It will put pressure on existing infrastructure such as roads,

electricity and water and drainage systems.

“A proper public transport system and other infrastructure must be put in place before higher density can be allowed,” he added.

The spokesman said the forum also called for a public display of the Local Plan draft which was approved by the MPPP in 2008, but held back for unknown reasons, adding that the public should also be engaged to shape the Local Plan.

The Penang Forum is a coalition

of progressive public interest civil society groups based in Penang.

Source: The Star