THE Penang government, through its Town and Country Planning Department (JPBD), launched the Preliminary Publicity Programme for the Penang South Island 2050 Local Plan (RTPSI 2050) today.
Scheduled to take place for a week until July 29, the programme aims to develop a smart, sustainable and resilient development plan by gathering views, ideas and suggestions from all sectors of society.
The Penang South Island, now known as the Silicon Island project for Island A, encompasses 2,300 acres of reclaimed land.
The public can visit three locations to scan the QR codes prepared for participation in this programme: the state Town and Country Planning Department (JPBD) at level 57 in Komtar, the hallway at level 3 in Komtar or the Pusat Perkhidmatan Setempat Nelayan (PPSN) in Permatang Damar Laut.
The Penang government, which owns the project, is responsible for ensuring it adheres to a legally approved development plan under existing legislation.
This one-of-its-kind development in the region is envisioned as a ‘Green City of the Future’.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the launching ceremony this morning, urged the public to participate and provide their views and ideas in this programme.
“I also request that continuous dissemination to all parties so that no one is excluded from giving their insightful views and suggestions.
“The PSI Local Plan will comprehensively translate national, state, and local policies into a statutory plan based on the core features of smart, green, and sustainable development,” Chow said in his speech during the launching of the programme at Amari SPICE Penang in Bayan Lepas today.
Additionally, in line with the Penang2030 vision, Chow said Silicon Island has been designed by incorporating the best urban design practices concerning the principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG).
“Also, there is a 70:30 ratio transportation mode shift, the incorporation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a 45% reduction in carbon emissions, and prioritising green urban planning.
“The development of Silicon Island is also in line with the Penang Structure Plan 2030 and the advice from the National Physical Planning Council (MPFN),” he added.
It is learned that upon completion of the week-long programme, the state Town and Country Planning Department will produce the PSI 2050 Local Plan draft.
Subsequently, a Publicity and Public Participation Programme will be conducted to gather views and feedback from all stakeholders to produce the best local plan document.
Meanwhile, state Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye said that the Local Plan (RT) serves as a primary reference document for planning and development control. It is a third-tier development plan document within the national development framework and the second at the state level after the Structure Plan (RS).
“The preparation of RTPSI 2050 is a key platform and pragmatic step by the state government as a noble initiative to shape new development on newly reclaimed land areas based on appropriate development controls and in line with the current state scenario.
“The study approach designed is somewhat different compared to the preparation of other Local Plan studies in Malaysia because this is the first time RTPSI 2050 is being prepared based on smart development, resilience, liveability, and sustainability.
“The goal of the RTPSI 2050 study is to provide a comprehensive and competitive Local Plan for the state, transforming the reclaimed island into a smart, sustainable, and resilient development,” H’ng said in his speech.
Two main aspects, namely legal and planning requirements, play a pivotal role in the need to establish the RTPSI 2050.
H’ng also mentioned that the preparation is subject to the legal provisions of Sections 12 to 16B of Act 172 and that the document must contain proposal maps and written statements supported by implementation guidelines.
“RTPSI 2050 will also serve as a detailed reference for all proposals by the local planning authorities for development and land use,” he added.
H’ng added that the current planning scenario in Penang also contributes to the need for the preparation of RTPSI 2050.
“Among them is providing an effective alternative to avoid the exploration of existing hill and forest areas, as well as providing space for the growth of Penang’s industry, especially in the Bayan Lepas area.
“Indirectly, we can create economic and employment opportunities for the surrounding population and ensure an inclusive, liveable environment with smart city planning and modern transportation support,” he said.
Responding to a question by a reporter on whether the state government plans to establish a new local council or district on Silicon Island once it is completed, Chow said the 2,300 acres of reclaimed land is considerably small for such an initiative to happen.
The project developer of the Silicon Island project is Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd.
SID Sdn Bhd, which is 70% owned by SRS PD Sdn Bhd, has awarded the design, management and construction of the Phase 1 reclamation works of Island A to turnkey contractor SRS TC Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gamuda.
Also present during the event earlier were Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd (PICSB) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus, state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu and state Town and Country Planning Department director Datuk Rozita Hamit.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat