GEORGE TOWN, Aug 8 — Tanjung Bungah is gazetted as a low density area under the Penang Structural Plan 2007-2020 but uncontrolled development, especially at hillslopes, indicates otherwise.

Tanjung Bungah assemblyman Teh Yee Cheu is concerned the greenery and forested hills in his constituency will soon be wiped out.

He estimates nearly 50 acres of land on the hills has been cleared.

Teh said the projects, including highrise residential blocks, were breaching the plan’s guidelines.

“Although the plan is supposed to be updated every five years, a revised plan slated for 2012 has not been released and as such, we are relying on the old plan,” he said.

The Penang Island City Council recently approved a 51-storey affordable housing project in Lorong Permai 3, near Tunku Abdul Rahman College, despite strong objections by residents and non-governmental organisations.

The council also approved an elite condominium development comprising two 32-storey apartment blocks with 322 units, not far from the 51-storey building.

“I fear the 51-storey building would open the floodgates for more high density structures in the area,” the said.

He also said 10 highrise buildings of over 20 storeys each were in the pipeline for Tanjung Bungah pending approval by the authorities.

He ticked off developers for using the term “affordable housing” as an excuse to build highrise high density buildings, claiming these projects would lead to more congestion in the area.

“These projects would add a few thousands cars on the road and have a negative impact on the environment and society.

“The safety and quality of life will be compromised, especially when the projects are on hillslopes,” Teh said.

He also said the interested parties could be ignoring density requirements in the absence of a revised and updated Penang Structural Plan.

A developer recently submitted a plan to the council to build a 63-storey building comprising hotel and residential units in Gurney Drive which is under the Pulau Tikus state constituency.

It is understood this is the tallest building plan received by the city council.

“Are we building homes or skyscrapers?

“What is the height limitation for housing development?” Teh questioned.

He also raised concerns on the possible dangers with too many highrise buildings in the state.

“The safety of residents in highrise buildings during disasters is a major concern.

“Is the fire and rescue department well-prepared with equipment, manpower and technical skills to handle such situations?

Teh was also concerned about the impact of volcano activity and earthquakes in the Pacific Ring of Fire.

He said only several structures in Penang could withstand earthquakes such as Komtar and the two sea bridges.

“Was this crucial factor considered when plans for highrise buildings were approved? If yes, what is the earthquake magnitude these buildings can withstand?” the asked.

He said other factors like education and healthcare centres must also be addressed.

Tanjung Bungah had only one clinic that was struggling to cope with the rising medical care demand among residents, he said.

The constituency has only six primary schools and two secondary schools, including an international school.

As such, some students have to attend schools in the city such as Convent Pulau Tikus, SMP St George Penang and Penang Free School.

“With more highrise development, we will need more schools and hospitals,” the said.

“I stand firm with my constituents and object to these projects.”

Pulau Tikus assemblyman Yap Soo Huey fears rapid development in Tanjung Bungah will worsen traffic congestion in her constituency as the Pulau Tikus and Gurney Drive townships are the main access between George Town and the northern coastal areas of the island.

“It will increase traffic congestion and affect the livelihood of the people,” Yap said.

She has regularly raised concerns about highrise projects in her constituency and Tanjung Bungah.

“I want the authorities to halt such projects in my constituency until all related issues have been addressed and resolved,” Yap said.

Pulau Betong assemblyman Muhamad Farid Saad said Penang was the only state which had not reviewed its structure and local plan.

“It has been seven years since DAP took over the state administration but the people are still in the dark over the development taking place in their neighbourhoods. We need to review these (development) plans,” he said.

“Tanjung Bungah is suffering today. The coastal area has turned into a concrete jungle and the state government is not listening to the residents.”