IN response to the issue pertaining to homes being turned into workers’ hostels (illegal change of use), Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang said that legal action will be taken to rectify the problem.
“Any illegal change of use that is from one use approved by the local authority to other use without our consent or approval is a violation under The Town And Country Planning Act, which requires us to issue a notice and follow suit with enforcement actions.
“The residential units can be turned into workers’ hostels if they comply with the criteria set such as in terms of zoning and other technical requirements,” said Yew after chairing the MBPP Full Council Meeting at the City Hall today.
Speaking on another matter, Yew stated that the applications received by the council to demolish the heritage buildings outside the heritage zone will be assessed by looking at its historical values and other important criteria.
“There are a set of technical officers who will look into such applications (to pull down the heritage buildings) where an in-depth study will be conducted before we decide to retain it or demolish it (the heritage buildings outside heritage zone).
“The condition of those buildings will also be one of the criteria which the council will look into apart from the buildings’ heritage value. Overall, we (MBPP) will give priority in preserving the heritage buildings outside the heritage zone,” Yew said to the media.