THANKS to mediating efforts by the Penang government, a Buddhist group has agreed to change its plan of building a meditation centre from a residential area in Teluk Kumbar to Gertak Sanggul.
This comes after residents in the neighbourhood raised objections to the plan by the Persatuan Amitabha Pulau Pinang to build a three-storey building at Taman Kumbar Permai in Teluk Kumbar.
The residents’ main grouse was over traffic concerns.
State Women & Family Development, Gender Inclusiveness and Religions Other Than Islam Committee chairman Chong Eng, who was present at gathering with the residents, said the Buddhist group had consented to build the centre in Gertak Sanggul.
She said an amicable solution has been reached between the residents and the group following a series of discussions.
“The group has agreed to change its plan to build the centre at another place nearby.
“A plot of land is also provided by the district office,” she said.
Chong Eng had also brought up the issue during state exco meeting.
The Persatuan Amitabha Pulau Pinang had earlier wanted to construct the building on a 4,930sq ft of land in Teluk Kumbar.
Its adviser Neoh Chin Wah said the centre was meant to replace the one in Sungai Nibong, adding that he has no qualms to shift the plan.
“We respect the residents’ concerns,” he added.
Also present were Bayan Lepas assemblyman Azrul Mahathir Abd Aziz and Teluk Kumbar Mosque qariah chairman Muhammad Idiris Salleh.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan