THE Jelutong landfill, on a coastal land beside Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway in Penang, is set to be the first landfill in the country to undergo RM1billion rehabilitation and redevelopment process.
The landfill, which had begun in 1970s, is located about three kilometres away from the Weld Quay ferry terminal. It was then considered to be in the city outskirts.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the rehabilitation and redevelopment process on the over four decades of landfill would be carried out by PLB Engineering Berhad (PLBEB).
He said PLBEB had been appointed three years ago to undertake the project following a Request for Proposal (RFP) called on March 12, 2015.
“Therefore, the onus is now on PLBEB to submit its application to the Department of Environment (DOE) for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval.
“There are many conditions which will be imposed to the appointed company as they need to adhere to the certain requirements.
“This process is estimated to take around nine months to two years for EIA’s approval to be obtained before rehabilitation works can be carried out.
“Hence, the company should now be ready to get the ball rolling in obtaining the approval,” he told a press conference in Komtar today.
Chow was speaking before the signing of a joint development agreement between Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and PLBEB.
The RM1billion rehabilitation and redevelopment costs would be borne by PLBEB.
Chow added that the whole development process at the landfill would take around 15 years, which covers a total size of 85 acres.
“The state will then receive 25 percent of the rehabilitation land and we will decide on its usage,” he said.
Chow, nevertheless, pointed out that up to 10 acres of additional land would be reclaimed for embankment works and parameter wall while 30 percent of land created would be surrendered to the state.
“The state hopes the rehabilitation and redevelopment process will proceed smoothly and bring a positive impact to the people in the state,” he said.
Chow also said the state and PLBEB would work together in locating another site for construction and demolition (C&D) waste and marine clay as the current temporary site in Pulau Burung would last for five years.
“It can also be meant for recycling purposes,” he noted.
Present at the press conference were state secretary Datuk Abdul Razak Jaafar, PDC general manager Datuk Mohd Bazid Abd Kahar, PLBEB executive chairman Datuk Seri Ong Choo Hoon and state executive council members.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Alvie Cheng