THE draft for the Penang island Local Plan has taken quite a substantial period to reach this stage and it has to proceed in accordance with the law, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.
Chow, in response to a question by a journalist, said the entire process was in accordance with the law and the state government has even extended the 2030 Local Plan (island) Draft (DRTPP2030) public display period to allow more people to take part in the process.
“Those who are interested to take part are given sufficient time and are welcomed to air their views and concerns. There is no obstacle for anyone to submit their objection or support.
“The process is there and is ongoing,” Chow told a media conference in Komtar today.
It was reported by an English daily that a Local Plan of a given area is an official document that spells out detailed development planning strategies, which will influence construction, licensing, and socio-economic growth in the area.
At the draft stage, the public is guaranteed the right to provide views and objections under the Local Government Act 1976 before the Local Plan is formally adopted.
Chow was replying to claims by a Penang Gerakan Youth spokesperson who alleged that the ‘Local Plan currently on public display is too obscure and difficult for the average Joe to understand’.
“Interested stakeholders who have filled up their forms will also be invited to give their views before a panel during the public hearing. And I believe, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has conducted engagement sessions with the relevant associations,” he added.
The physical copies of the DRTPP2030 could be viewed at three locations – the Syed Al-Attas building in Armenian Street, the Maker Space in Balik Pulau and at the Penang Island City Council (Development Planning Department) at Level 16 in Komtar.
The public display and feedback periods have been extended to Jan 10 next year.
For more details, visit http://www.mbpp.gov.my/ms/mbpp/pusat-media/berita/program-publisti-dan-penyertaan-awam-draf-rancangan-tempatan-pulau-pinang
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi