THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has appointed an independent checker to examine the Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) report for developers in the Penang island.
According to MBBP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang, Lean Kok Woei from Perunding Trafik Bakti Sdn Bhd will be council’s official consultant effective from January 2021.
“Previously, the developers would be sending us the TIA report obtained from their respective consultants.
“But now, developers need to go through our independent checker to get their TIA report checked and certified. This is to enhance the accountability and competency of the reports submitted.
“The cost of checking the TIA reports will be borne by the developers themselves,’’ Yew said during the MBPP regular meeting held at City Hall today.
Yew added that the newly appointed consultant, who has 10 years of experience, is capable of executing the job in a professional manner.
“The independent checker that is appointed cannot be taking up any development project that comes under the administration of MBPP.
“This makes the whole process unbiased and professional,’’ said Yew.
On a separate matter, Yew said that MBPP would give a grace period of three years for unlicensed traders to ‘legalise’ their businesses.
“We have so far received 53 applications. The unlicensed traders will have to pay five times more than the usual license fee during the three-year period.
“It is a simple process and can be accomplished within a month. We have no choice but to take stern action, such as demolishing business premises of unlicensed traders, if the traders continue to disregard the law.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi