Latest news with #Zairil
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.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Penang passes water resources bill for integrated, holistic management
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Legislative Assembly today passed the Penang Water Resources Bill 2025 to manage the state's water resources in a more integrated, holistic and sustainable manner. The Bill was passed by a majority voice vote after being debated by six assemblymen from the government and opposition blocs. When tabling the Bill earlier, State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, said its introduction is a strategic move toward integrated management of water use, development and protection to enhance greater efficiency. He explained that the new enactment is necessary to replace the Water Enactment of 1967, which is outdated and limited in scope, as it only grants authority through district officers and lacks the provisions required to meet current needs. 'In addition, there are gaps in existing federal laws, such as the Environmental Quality Act 1974, that hinder a comprehensive approach to addressing water pollution,' he said. 'With mounting pressure from population growth, rapid development and the effects of climate change, water management requires a more systematic, efficient approach backed by strong legal authority,' said Zairil. He explained that the Bill would provide a solid legal foundation for stricter monitoring and enforcement, the integration of smart technologies in water management, and clearer definitions of the rights and responsibilities of various stakeholders in safeguarding water resources. As such, he said the state government is confident that the Bill, comprising 61 clauses across 10 parts, will offer a clearer legal framework to govern the abstraction, use, conservation and quality of water resources on the island. The assembly also passed the Penang Water Resources Board Bill 2025, along with two motions: the Special Report of the Committee on Standing Orders of the Penang Legislative Assembly, and the activation of the Select Committee on Federal-State Relations. The first meeting of the third session of the 15th Penang State Legislative Assembly, which began on May 19, saw the submission of 75 oral questions, 769 written questions, and the tabling of two Bills and three motions. The sitting was adjourned to a date to be determined later.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Penang passes water resources bill for holistic management
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Legislative Assembly today passed the Penang Water Resources Bill 2025 to manage the state's water resources in a more integrated, holistic and sustainable manner. The Bill was passed by a majority voice vote after being debated by six assemblymen from the government and opposition blocs. When tabling the Bill earlier, State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, said its introduction is a strategic move toward integrated management of water use, development and protection to enhance greater efficiency. He explained that the new enactment is necessary to replace the Water Enactment of 1967, which is outdated and limited in scope, as it only grants authority through district officers and lacks the provisions required to meet current needs. 'In addition, there are gaps in existing federal laws, such as the Environmental Quality Act 1974, that hinder a comprehensive approach to addressing water pollution,' he said. 'With mounting pressure from population growth, rapid development and the effects of climate change, water management requires a more systematic, efficient approach backed by strong legal authority,' said Zairil. He explained that the Bill would provide a solid legal foundation for stricter monitoring and enforcement, the integration of smart technologies in water management, and clearer definitions of the rights and responsibilities of various stakeholders in safeguarding water resources. As such, he said the state government is confident that the Bill, comprising 61 clauses across 10 parts, will offer a clearer legal framework to govern the abstraction, use, conservation and quality of water resources on the island. The assembly also passed the Penang Water Resources Board Bill 2025, along with two motions: the Special Report of the Committee on Standing Orders of the Penang Legislative Assembly, and the activation of the Select Committee on Federal-State Relations. The first meeting of the third session of the 15th Penang State Legislative Assembly, which began on May 19, saw the submission of 75 oral questions, 769 written questions, and the tabling of two Bills and three motions. The sitting was adjourned to a date to be determined later.
Barnama
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Penang Passes Water Resources Bill For Integrated, Holistic Management
GEORGE TOWN, May 22 (Bernama) -- The Penang Legislative Assembly today passed the Penang Water Resources Bill 2025 to manage the state's water resources in a more integrated, holistic and sustainable manner. The Bill was passed by a majority voice vote after being debated by six assemblymen from the government and opposition blocs. When tabling the Bill earlier, State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, said its introduction is a strategic move toward integrated management of water use, development and protection to enhance greater efficiency. He explained that the new enactment is necessary to replace the Water Enactment of 1967, which is outdated and limited in scope, as it only grants authority through district officers and lacks the provisions required to meet current needs. 'In addition, there are gaps in existing federal laws, such as the Environmental Quality Act 1974, that hinder a comprehensive approach to addressing water pollution,' he said. "With mounting pressure from population growth, rapid development and the effects of climate change, water management requires a more systematic, efficient approach backed by strong legal authority,' said Zairil. He explained that the Bill would provide a solid legal foundation for stricter monitoring and enforcement, the integration of smart technologies in water management, and clearer definitions of the rights and responsibilities of various stakeholders in safeguarding water resources. As such, he said the state government is confident that the Bill, comprising 61 clauses across 10 parts, will offer a clearer legal framework to govern the abstraction, use, conservation and quality of water resources on the island. The assembly also passed the Penang Water Resources Board Bill 2025, along with two motions: the Special Report of the Committee on Standing Orders of the Penang Legislative Assembly, and the activation of the Select Committee on Federal-State Relations.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Mutiara Line LRT land probe to determine compensation
GEORGE TOWN: The exact number of residents affected by the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project will only be determined once an investigation under Section 12 of the Land Acquisition Act (LAA) 1960 is conducted. State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the investigation would be conducted soon, as the gazetting of Section 8 of the LAA 1960 was only completed on April 10. 'The quantum of compensation will only be finalised after the investigation process under section 12 of the LAA 1960, on all stakeholders, is completed. As of now, the compensation assessment process has not yet been implemented, and this will be determined by the Land Tribunal,' he said. He said this in his reply to an oral question from Muhamad Kasim (PN-Telok Bahang) on the progress of site preparation work and the route of the Mutiara Line LRT project, as well as the number of residents affected by land or property acquisition and the compensation involved. Zairil said the LRT project is currently at the land acquisition stage, which has been gazetted under the LAA 1960 by the State Land and Mines Office, in collaboration with the project owner, Mass Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp), for the lots involved in Segment 1 of the line, stretching from Komtar to Permatang Damar Laut. He said permission had been given to MRT Corp to use 86 government land lots so far, while preliminary works are underway following approval under Section 20A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1976. Zairil added that the Mutiara Line LRT project is currently in the preliminary preparation phase, with a key focus on relocating existing utilities, an essential step that must be completed before the construction of any stations or flyovers can begin. He also said that the state government is committed to ensuring the project is implemented transparently and efficiently in accordance with the set schedule, and has taken several proactive measures to that end. Among them is the requirement for MRT Corp to submit monthly progress reports to the State Executive Council (MMK) meetings, chaired by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, to enable periodic monitoring of the project's development. 'In addition, construction activities are being closely monitored by the local authorities (PBT), and a mega project traffic management task force has been established in Penang specifically to oversee and ensure the smooth implementation of the project,' he said. The physical works for the project, estimated to cost around RM13 billion based on the latest scope and design, are expected to begin in the third quarter of this year, with large-scale construction slated to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026. The 29.5-kilometre Mutiara Line LRT will feature 21 strategically located stations and is designed to enhance connectivity between Penang Island and the mainland, reduce road congestion, and improve overall accessibility.
