SEBERANG PERAI, July 5 — The Penang government is open to renegotiating and possibly downsizing the Jelutong landfill reclamation project off Karpal Singh Drive, following concerns raised by residents and environmental groups.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stated that the state will review the project’s scale and work methods, especially in light of environmental worries surrounding the nearby Middle Bank marine sanctuary. The final decision, he said, hinges on whether the project secures Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval by February 2026.
The RM1 billion project, a partnership between Penang Development Corporation and PLB Engineering Bhd, includes reclaiming 30 hectares of land. However, the Protect Karpal Singh Drive Action Committee has warned of potential ecological damage.
Citing the sanctuary’s rich biodiversity. Chow acknowledged the project’s profit-sharing structure with the state but affirmed that any potential downsizing would not affect the developer’s contract.
