GEORGE TOWN: Penangites regret the Penang government's move allowing the construction of high-rise buildings especially lxury condomimium projects.
Penang Gerakan local government bureau chief Teh Leong Meng said it
received many complaints from residents who are shocked to see their
skyline crowded with high rise buildings.
The construction of high rise buildings followed new guidelines
introduced by Penang Municipal Council that increased the density of
high rise buildings.
The focus of development are in Pykett Avenue with 32 storeys, Jalan
Cantonment with 30 storeys and Solok Moulmein with 27 storeys, all in
George Town.
Teh said the Penang government had revoked a set of housing policies
used by the previous government for 27 years and allowed increase in
density.
The density of high rise buildings rose from 30 units per acre to 87
units and 30 units per acre to 120 units for low and medium cost flats.
"This means that the building height has increased by three or four
fold. For example, an eight storey building can now become a 32 storey
building."
The Penang government had approved and implemented a set of new guidelines on June 28, 2010 without public announcement.
Teh said the increase in density should not have been implemented as
the Penang government did nothing to improve the public transportation
system.
"The new building guidelines will create traffic congestion as the
population density is high and will affect quality of life as the
beautiful beaches and hills will disappear from view."
He urged the Penang government to revoke the new building policy and
explain why the 2008 draft local plan costing RM3.5 million was not
implemented. -- BERNAMA