GEORGE TOWN, Aug 29 — Housing development projects do not necessarily destroy the environment and may improve it, said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow amid criticisms over the appointment of a former developer to hold both the housing and environment portfolios.
He said developments can improve the environment with landscaping works, slope strengthening and the creation of connective roads.
“Even though it changes the landscape or condition of the land, all developments are monitored by qualified engineers and architects to ensure the environment is protected,” he said in a press conference after the swearing-in of state assemblymen at the state legislative assembly here.
He was replying to a question on the conflict of interest for the housing state exco, Datuk Seri S.Sunderajoo, to also hold the environment portfolio.
He said even when Sunderajoo was a developer, his development projects were environmentally friendly.
“Even if the portfolios were held by two different state excos, both will be under the same state government and they will still come to the same table for decisions to be made,” he said.
Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, who previously held the housing portfolio, said in the 10 years of holding the portfolio, he said the state housing guidelines provided for conditions based on climate impact that all development projects have to adhere to.
“We look at any new projects to ensure that it is green developments in accordance with sustainable development policy,” he said.
Recently, the civil society group, Aliran, raised concerns over Sunderajoo holding both the housing and environment portfolios.
They have called on Chow to reshuffle the state exco portfolios and to keep the housing development and environment portfolios separate.
