Latest news with #StateInfrastructureCommittee
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.
New Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Penang steps up gas pipeline monitoring after Putra Heights blast
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government is stepping up checks on gas pipelines in the state to ensure a Putra Heights-like disaster does not happen. State Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari (DAP-Tanjung Bunga) said the state Disaster Management Committee was reviewing matters related to policy, strategy, directives, action plans and the overall direction of disaster management. He said the committee was chaired by the state secretary and met twice a year. Zairil said all relevant departments and agencies, including district officers who chair district Disaster Management Committees, were also reviewing these matters. "To ensure safety, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) annually audits pipeline operators, including inspections such as hydrostatic and pneumatic testing. "These audits are part of efforts to enforce the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 and the Petroleum (Safety Measures) Act 1984. "Pipeline safety is national safety. DOSH monitors for leaks, verifies permits and takes immediate action when standards are not met. "Generally, inspection results are satisfactory, with operators complying with the legal requirements," he said in response to questions from Lee Khai Loon (DAP-Machang Bubuk), Zulkefli Bakar (Bersatu-Penanti), Phee Syn Tze (DAP-Sungai Puyu) and Abidin Ismail (Pas-Sungai Bakap). Zairil said DOSH also conducted surprise inspections on pipelines and issued directives to ensure compliance with the law. He said any leakage risks were managed periodically and in a controlled manner based on technical inspection results. "Immediate corrective action orders are issued to operators to ensure risks remain under control," he added. The Peninsular Gas Utilisation (PGU) pipeline, operated by Petronas Gas Bhd and owned by Petronas, runs for 42km through Penang. It enters from the Sungai Kerian border and continues through towns such as Relau, Machang Bubuk, Mengkuang, Ara Kuda, Kampung Selamat and Pinang Tunggal before crossing into Kedah. Another 23km pipeline supplies natural gas to three key power stations: SKS Prai Power Plant, TNB Prai and TNB Gelugor. The Putra Heights pipeline explosion early last month caused a towering inferno that damaged 219 homes, with losses estimated at RM65.4 million. The full report into the disaster is expected some time this month.
New Straits Times
05-05-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Rockfall net prevents tragedy in Paya Terubong
GEORGE TOWN: Quick action and recent upgrades saved lives and property after several boulders tumbled down a slope at Lorong Bukit Kukus, near Grandview Apartments, on Saturday. Thanks to the installation of rockfall netting and a protective barrier completed in November 2024, the falling rocks were stopped before they could cause serious harm. Two parked vehicles were shielded from damage, and no injuries were reported, prompting praise for the timely completion of the safety project. State Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the RM6.8 million slope repair and netting initiative, which began in May 2023, was spearheaded by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) in collaboration with the Department of Minerals and Geoscience (JMG). "Both agencies have since conducted a site investigation to determine the cause of the rockfall. "Authorities are now working on detailed mitigation plans to prevent future incidents," he said in a Facebook posting. In the meantime, Zairil said residents have been urged not to park along the affected slope and to exercise caution when traveling in the area. "The successful performance of the rockfall protection system has highlighted the importance of continued investment in slope stabilisation efforts, particularly in high-risk areas across Penang," he added.
