Penang will never agree to rebuilding on Kampung Mutiara village site, Guan Eng says (VIDEO)

GEORGE TOWN, Aug 25 ― Penang will never give its planning approval for any development on the site of Kampung Mutiara in Batu Ferringhi, its Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng declared today, just one day after leaders across the political divide joined hands to save the residents from eviction.

He also said the state has not received any application for planning approval for the 3.5 acres piece of land near the popular beach strip Batu Ferringhi to the island’s north.

“If the landowner was to submit the application, we will never approve it because we do not support the way he is handling this issue,” he said in a press conference at the DAP headquarters here.

Lim said the state will always stand on the side of the villagers who were being evicted without any compensation by the landowner.

“The state government will help the residents and if he continues to use the court order to evict them, we will try to find ways to help the villagers,” he said.

Lim appeared unperturbed by news of the landowner complaining against the state government for supporting the “squatters” on his land when he is the rightful and legal landowner.

“I read that the landowner was angry that we are supporting the residents instead of him the legal landowner but I'd like to say that we would rather face his anger to protect the interest of the residents, this has always been the state's policy,” he said.

Yesterday, the court bailiffs were supposed to take over vacant possession of the 66 houses in the village but they were told not to proceed due to the huge crowds gathered there to block any act of eviction or demotion.

Politicians from both sides of the political divide ― DAP, Umno, PAS and PKR ― were present to show their support for the residents.

The residents had formed barriers at the entrances to the village for the past four days in fear of any furtive demolition of the village by the landowner.

The demolition and eviction yesterday was deferred to another date upon advice from the police due to public safety concerns.

In the meantime, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon will be setting up a meeting with the landowner to discuss ways to resolve the issue.