GEORGE TOWN, February 8 – Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow clarified that the fate of the approved foreign workers’ hostel project in Teluk Kumbar lies solely with the developer, emphasizing that the decision to proceed with the project rests entirely on their discretion. Speaking after the opening of the Penang Marriott Hotel, Chow highlighted that the planning approval for the project included conditions such as road repairs and infrastructure enhancements, leaving the final call to the developer’s assessment of these requirements.
Addressing objections from various quarters, Chow reiterated that the state government’s role is limited to assessing planning applications and cannot prevent developers from applying for approval. He urged concerned parties to continue voicing their concerns while indicating that the developer has already taken note of their objections. With two proposed foreign workers’ hostel projects in Teluk Kumbar, one approved and the other pending, the issue has sparked demonstrations from local residents concerned about the potential impact on the area’s landscape and infrastructure.
Earlier, Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) accused Chow of misleading the public regarding approvals for the project, citing the state planning committee’s endorsement of land re-zoning for high-density development. The PRM vice-chairman urged Chow to provide accurate information and address community concerns transparently, underscoring the contentious nature of the proposed hostel projects in Teluk Kumbar.
