THE Penang State Planning Committee (Technical) will study an application to develop a foreign workers’ dormitory project in Teluk Kumbar when the committee meets again soon.
Penang Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the proposed project is believed to be the largest foreign workers’ dormitory project in Penang or even in Malaysia.
“We received the latest application from an applicant yesterday (Dec 22), proposing to build the largest foreign workers’ dormitory project in Penang.
“Previously, the applicant had proposed some other components besides the foreign workers’ dormitory. However, the latest proposal suggested only the foreign workers’ dormitory project.
“The proposed foreign workers’ dormitory project will comprise 2,100 units and 35,000 beds,” he told a press conference in Taman Free School market today.
Jagdeep said the state prioritises issues concerning foreign workers.
“One of the major issues is housing the foreign workers.
“Let us be realistic. We need the foreign workers because they stimulate the economy. These workers need to have a place to stay and we can see that they are now staying in many housing schemes.
“We need to house them in foreign workers’ dormitories.
“We can control and screen the workers in the foreign workers’ dormitories, if there is any case; unlike now where we see foreign workers escaping the authorities.
“We need to have more foreign workers’ dormitories. We have two projects which are now operating in Penang – one in Mukim 14, South Seberang Perai by Westlite Dormitory (Bukit Minyak) Sdn Bhd and the other in Jalan Permatang Damar Laut, Batu Maung.
“Four applications are in the planning permission stage, while one application has been given the planning permission approval,” he said.
Jagdeep hoped that the Federal Government would also understand the seriousness of the matter concerning foreign workers.
“We need to strike a balance between public health and economic health.
“The Federal Government needs to look at it holistically and assist the state,” Jagdeep said.
Jagdeep and Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer were present at the Taman Free School market to check on the Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) compliance there.
Jagdeep and Rayer, together with the staff of Penang Island City Council and the Village Community Management Council (MPKK) members, distributed face masks and calendars to the traders and marketgoers there.
Story and pix by Christopher Tan
