GEORGE TOWN, Sept 4 ― Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today refuted an accusation by minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan that the state government had approved 2,428 hectares of reclamation works to a developer here.

Lim said no such approval has been given, explaining that the state could not even approve any reclamation works more than 100 hectares, much less for those over 2,000 hectares.

“The minister has lost his mind, there were no such approvals, he must show proof if he says the Penang state government had approved such reclamation activity,” Lim said in a press conference outside the courtroom at the Penang High Court after a reference proceeding in memory of the late Karpal Singh.

Yesterday, the Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister said action will be taken against the DAP-led state government for approving reclamation works of over 2,428 hectares.

Abdul Rahman said the state government must get the approval from the National Physical Planning Council (MPFN), chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, for any reclamation project of more than 100 hectares or involving 10,000 people.

He also said he will do all he can to stop whatever reclamation projects approved by the state government in Penang.

“I'm shocked, mystified and stupefied by his allegations and lies,” Lim said in response, adding that the minister has no right to stop any works in the state except those that require federal approval.

Lim added he was aware of the requirement for approval from MPFN for reclamation projects over 100 hectares, but insisted no application has been made.