Latest news with #StateLocalGovernmentCommittee
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
'No development applications received for PTC land'
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has not received any application for development on the Penang Turf Club (PTC) land following the 160-year-old club's dissolution. State Local Government Committee chairman Jason H'ng said the new Penang Local Plan will determine the zoning for the prime land near Bukit Gantung. "It is unclear whether the area will be designated for recreational use, open space, or other purposes," H'ng told the New Straits Times. He added that the matter was being studied. He said the state would seek public comments and opinions on the plan. H'ng added that former PTC members and nearby residents can share their views during the public consultation process. He said that in any case, the state would require multiple assessments before any development plan can be considered. "We will consider the opinion of the community before any project is approved." PTC, a historic part of the state's landscape, will be dissolved, with the last race on its grounds set for yesterday. Its dissolution has raised public interest and speculation about the future use of its 80.9ha grounds.
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
No plans to gazette Middle Bank Marine Sanctuary, says Penang govt
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has no plans to gazette the Middle Bank Marine Sanctuary, citing potential complications for ongoing and future development projects in the area. State Local Government Committee chairman H'ng Mooi Lye (DAP - Jawi) said designating the Middle Bank as an environmentally sensitive area would trigger stricter regulations, including the need for a Second Schedule Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for any project within a 500m radius. "This will affect several planned projects nearby, including the Penang Port expansion," he said in a written reply to Lee Khai Loon (PKR - Machang Bubuk) at the ongoing state legislative assembly sitting. Lee had asked about the implications of the Jelutong landfill rehabilitation project on the Middle Bank. He questioned whether the state had an exit strategy in case the project fails. Penang had approved the reclamation of 70 acres of sea near the Jelutong landfill to serve as a work platform for a RM1 billion rehabilitation effort. In March, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow had reassured the public that the proposed land reclamation project near Karpal Singh Drive and the restoration works at the Jelutong landfill would not encroach upon the Middle Bank Marine Sanctuary. He said that the state government had taken precautions to ensure the proposed development would not affect the sanctuary. H'ng said the landfill, once an open dumping ground, posed serious safety risks. H'ng also confirmed that the joint development agreement would be cancelled if the project could not proceed. He, however, cautioned that a new developer could only be appointed after a legal process lasting three to five years, with the risk of claims or legal action from the existing developer. The Middle Bank, located in the South Channel between Penang island and the mainland, spans approximately 10 sq km and hosts the only seagrass bed in the Strait of Malacca. A study has identified 429 species of flora and fauna in the area, including marine mammals, birds, turtles, and fish. The landfill rehabilitation has yet to begin and is pending EIA approval from the Department of Environment (DoE), which issued a public notice on the project in February. The Penang Development Corporation (PDC) signed the agreement for the project with PLB Engineering Bhd in 2020. Project Karpal Singh Drive Action Committee chairperson AD Chandrasekaran had recently expressed concerns based on scientific evidence suggesting that the Middle Bank's marine ecosystem could be harmed by the project.
New Straits Times
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Penang rolls out automated parking compound system
BUTTERWORTH: Penang has launched an automated system to issue parking compounds. The system detects unpaid parking and issues a Compound Offer Notice (NTK), with an option for a manual review by an officer. State Local Government Committee chairman H'ng Mooi Lye said Version 3.2.0 builds on the success of PSP 3.1.0 with improved features. "This includes real-time integration with the Road Transport Department (RTD). This system allows for immediate access to vehicle owner data during compound issuance, speeding up enforcement and reducing error risk. "It also includes automated compound generation. The system automatically detects unpaid parking and issues a NTK, with an option for manual review by officers if needed. "Through the PSP app, users receive immediate alerts and can act without delay — promoting a more responsible and aware community," he said at the launch of the Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system at Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP). MBSP Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran was present. The launch supports Penang's vision of a smart and sustainable city. The ANPR system uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to convert number plates into digital data, which is matched in real-time with enforcement systems to detect violations automatically. H'ng said the benefits go beyond enforcement, noting that Version 3.2.0 improves operations, sustainability and public engagement. "Among the advantages are minimal manpower required. The system is operated by only two officers — one driver and one system operator — without needing to exit the vehicle, reducing manpower usage by 60 per cent. "In line with Penang's commitment to green principles and sustainability, this system helps cut down on the use of printed materials. "The in-app notifications encourage more users to download and use the PSP app, making early compound settlement easier via online methods," he said. Both councils have five ANPR systems each. He said the system boosts field efficiency, saving time, cost and energy.
