Latest news with #LandAcquisitionAct1960
The Star
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Making room for Penang tourism
(From left) Penang housing and environment state exco Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, Zairil and Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow having a discussion during the state assembly sitting. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star Aerial view of the Silicon Island Reclamation project site. — Filepic THIRTEEN new hotels have opened in Penang since August 2023 to meet growing demands of the state's tourism industry, with seven more expected to begin operations soon. Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the 13 hotels had contributed 2,311 rooms to the state's capacity for visitors' accommodation. The new rooms comprise 1,670 at 11 hotels in the northeast district, 298 at a southwest district hotel and 343 at a hotel in north Seberang Perai. An aerial view of the Silicon Island Reclamation project site. Wong was responding to a question from Heng Lee Lee (PH-Berapit) on the increase in hotel developments, at the state assembly sitting in George Town. Meanwhile, state infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said land reclamation of the 930ha Silicon Island, off Penang's southern coast, would take 10 to 15 years. He said reclamation works, which had begun in September 2023, were being carried out in two phases. Phase one involves the reclamation of 510ha while phase two covers 420ha. 'As of April 30 this year, 60ha of land, equivalent to 6.5% of the project, had been reclaimed,' he told the assembly. In response to questions from Muhamad Kasim (PN-Telok Bahang), Zairil (PH-Tanjong Bungah) said no land acquisition was involved. However, he said land acquisitions in Permatang Damar Laut would be needed for construction of phase one of the Pan Island Link 2A (PIL2A) highway connecting Batu Maung to Silicon Island. 'It involves 13 land lots, 17 residential houses, two business premises, one welfare home and one place of worship. 'The land acquisition process was approved by authorities on May 8 last year and gazetted on July 11 last year under Section 8 of Land Acquisition Act 1960,' he said. Zairil disclosed that owners of the premises had received compensation based on valuations by the Valuation and Property Services Department. 'A majority of the stakeholders received compensation of over RM1.5mil for each lot of land. 'Three individuals received ex-gratia payments of RM43,500 each. 'The total compensation for land acquisition under PIL2A amounted to RM24,154,948.73, with ex-gratia payments totalling RM130,500,' he added. Mohamad Kasim had asked about the land reclamation progress of Silicon Island, the number of residents involved in land or property acquisition and the compensation they received. Silicon Island, previously known as Island A, is being developed by Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd. The developer also oversees the design and management of Phase 1 reclamation works via turnkey contractor SRS TC Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gamuda Bhd.
New Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Penang's Silicon Island takes shape: 60ha reclaimed so far
GEORGE TOWN: Reclamation works for the Penang Silicon Island project are progressing smoothly, with some 60ha reclaimed as of last month, since work commenced in September 2023. State Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari (DAP – Tanjung Bunga) said the reclaimed area accounted for around 6.5 per cent of the total 920ha designated for Silicon Island. "The reclamation works are divided into two phases. Phase 1 covers the reclamation of 504ha, while Phase 2 will comprise the remaining 416ha. "The overall reclamation process is expected to take between 10 and 15 years to complete," he said in response to a question from Muhamad Kasim (Bersatu – Teluk Bahang), who had enquired about the project. Elaborating further, Zairil clarified that the Silicon Island reclamation project did not involve any land acquisition, as the works are being carried out in a marine area. "However, the construction of Phase 1 of the Pan Island Link 2A (PIL2A) Highway Project, which connects Batu Maung to Silicon Island, does necessitate land acquisition in the Permatang Damar Laut area. "This affects 13 land lots, 17 residential properties, two business premises, one welfare home, and one place of worship. "The land acquisition was approved by the state authority on May 8, 2024 and gazetted on July 11, 2024 under Section 8 of the Land Acquisition Act 1960," he added. Zairil said that all landowners and interested parties relating to the affected land, buildings, and structures had received appropriate compensation, following a comprehensive assessment conducted by the Valuation and Property Services Department (JPPH), as well as an inquiry held by the District Land Administrator in December last year. He said that the majority of stakeholders received compensation exceeding RM1.5 million per land lot, while three individuals were granted ex-gratia payments of RM43,500 each. "The total compensation paid for the PIL2A project amounts to RM24,154,948.73, with an additional RM130,500.00 disbursed as ex-gratia payments," he said. In April last year, Zairil said that the reclamation work was projected to reach 160ha by the end of this year. During a visit to Penang in May 2023, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that the federal government would allocate additional funding to help expedite the state's proposed Mutiara Line light rail transit (LRT) project. At the time, he also requested that the state government scale down the scope of the reclamation project. The Penang Silicon Island initiative is projected to generate a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) impact of RM1.1 trillion, attract total investments amounting to RM74.7 billion, and create some 220,000 job opportunities.
Malay Mail
20-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Silicon Island reclamation to take 10-15 years, says Penang exco
GEORGE TOWN, May 20 — Reclamation works to create Silicon Island off the southern coast of Penang island are projected to take between 10 and 15 years to complete, the state legislative assembly was told today. State Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the reclamation for the 930-hectare island will be in two phases. 'The first phase will involve reclamation of 510 hectares, while phase two will cover the remaining 421 hectares,' he said in reply to a question from Muhamad Kasim (Bersatu-Telok Bahang) on the project's progress and the number of residents affected. 'As at April 30 this year, 60 hectares (150 acres) of land have been reclaimed, meaning the reclamation is 6.5 per cent complete since works commenced in September 2023,' he stated. He clarified that the reclamation works for Silicon Island itself do not involve any land acquisition as they occur entirely at sea. However, the construction of Phase One of the Pan Island Link 2A (PIL2A) highway, connecting Batu Maung to Silicon Island, necessitated land acquisitions in Permatang Damar. Zairil said 13 land lots, 17 residential houses, two business premises, one welfare home, and one place of worship were acquired for the PIL2A project. 'The land acquisition process was approved by the authorities on May 8 last year and gazetted on July 11 last year under Section 8 of the Land Acquisition Act 1960,' he said. He said premise owners received appropriate compensation based on valuations by the Valuation and Property Services Department (JPPH). 'A majority of the stakeholders received compensation exceeding RM1.5 million for each lot of land, while three individuals received ex-gratia payments of RM43,500 each,' Zairil added. He confirmed that the total compensation for land acquisition for the PIL2A project amounted to RM24,154,948.73, with ex-gratia payments totalling RM130,500.
Free Malaysia Today
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
PAS not envious of Umno-DAP ties, says Takiyuddin
PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan speaking to reporters after attending the Malaysian Indian People's Party unity festival in Shah Alam today. SHAH ALAM : PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan has brushed off claims his party is 'envious' of Umno's cooperation with DAP, insisting that PAS is faring better now under Perikatan Nasional. Takiyuddin said PAS has seen greater electoral success under PN than it did during its alliance with DAP in the now-defunct Pakatan Rakyat. 'In the past, when we were with DAP, we did get a lot of votes. But after leaving and joining PN, PAS has won even more seats. 'That's the measure of who we are more successful with,' he told reporters after attending the Malaysian Indian People's Party unity festival here today. PAS currently holds 43 seats in the Dewan Rakyat, making it the largest party in Parliament ahead of DAP, PKR, and PN ally Bersatu. The party first gained momentum in the 1999 general election, winning 27 seats, after joining forces with DAP and PKR under the Barisan Alternatif banner. However, its support began to decline in subsequent elections, securing 20 seats in 2004, 23 in 2008, and 21 in 2013. In 2015, PAS exited Pakatan Rakyat, citing irreconcilable differences with DAP. Takiyuddin was responding to Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin, who claimed PAS had not 'moved on' from its fallout with DAP and was scapegoating its former ally and Umno for its recent loss in the Ayer Kuning by-election. Khaled's comments came after PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said Umno's victory in Ayer Kuning stemmed from the Umno-DAP alliance, which he claimed sought to 'purify' DAP, a party which had allegedly 'openly taken anti-Islam stances'. Takiyuddin also said it was unfair to judge PAS based solely on the Ayer Kuning result, noting that the constituency was historically an Umno stronghold. 'It's just like Sungai Bakap (where) we managed to retain the seat. No issue,' he said. On a separate matter, Takiyuddin defended the proposed June 14 rally by PAS Youth to protest against the Urban Renewal Act (URA) bill, dismissing allegations that it was meant to deflect from internal tensions in PN. He said the proposed law contradicts the Federal Constitution and the Land Acquisition Act 1960. 'Our opposition (to the URA bill) is based on principles, not politics or emotion. So, the rally will go ahead,' he said. The PN's chief whip also said the opposition is still waiting for a response from the government on its funding request submitted in March. 'We haven't been called in yet. We're still waiting,' he said, referring to a letter sent following deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof's request for one before an opposition MPs' allocation panel can be set up.
Malay Mail
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Titiwangsa MP urges protection of Kampung Sungai Baru's heritage in drafting Urban Renewal Act
KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 — Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani has called for the proposed Urban Renewal Act to protect the heritage and historical rights of Kampung Sungai Baru residents, warning against forced evictions during redevelopment. The Umno politician urged the government to learn from the disputes that have delayed redevelopment efforts in one of the last remaining Malay villages in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. 'The government must take heed of the issues that have arisen in Kampung Sungai Baru and use them as a basis for incorporation into any legislation, including the proposed URA,' the Titiwangsa MP whose constituency covers Kampung Sungai Baru, said in a special edition of TV3's Podcast Utama shared on his Facebook account earlier today. He stressed that developers must act cautiously, particularly if seeking to invoke the Land Acquisition Act 1960 to compel residents to vacate. 'It is critical to consider sensitivities, such as which areas should be included, because land in Kuala Lumpur is finite,' he said. 'If we are to redevelop flats that are between 50 and 70 years old, then a specific act (URA) is necessary – but it must be deeply mindful of the land's historical roots to avoid mass evictions during redevelopment.' Johari, who is also the plantation and commodities minister, emphasised that redevelopment must prioritise long-term community benefits. Citing successful models by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) in upgrading dilapidated public housing, he said urban renewal should allow original residents and their families to continue living in the area. 'For example, when their children grow up and get married but cannot afford homes, redevelopment can provide additional units. 'They could continue living in the area, as the redevelopment — for instance, transforming a four-storey block into a 30-storey building — would create more housing units that could prioritise the original residents' families,' he said. The proposed URA, scheduled to be tabled in Parliament in June, aims to replace outdated laws governing the redevelopment of ageing urban areas. A small group of Kampung Sungai Baru residents are opposing the redevelopments although the majority have been reported to have accepted, raising pressure on the government to increase its compensation package. In response to the public backlash, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa has highlighted that the compensation covers replacement units, moving costs, ex gratia payments for home renovations, and temporary rental allowances. Johari who previously acknowledged that the majority of residents have agreed to the urban renewal plans, is now cautioning the residents against accepting the developer's offer, citing concerns over the undervaluation by DBKL's land and mine department. But he also he warned that further delays would prolong rental periods and postpone the delivery of promised properties, which he deems unfair.
