GEORGE TOWN — Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has dismissed Gerakan’s claim that a plot of land in Sungai Pinang earmarked for a light rail transit (LRT) station was originally designated for a low-cost housing project.
Chow explained that the land was initially reserved for a school. However, it was later identified as a site for a LRT station, a decision made in consultation with the state education department.
“Should a LRT station be built (at the site), the balance of the lot (left) would be inadequate for a school (to be built) on it.
“This matter was also discussed (with the state education department).
“This (land) was never meant to be a housing site,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the annual address ceremony for state civil servants at Dewan Sri Pinang.
Chow was responding to Penang Gerakan chief Oh Tong Keong’s remarks urging him to clarify if the land in question was the same plot allocated by the previous Gerakan-led state administration for low-cost and low-medium-cost housing.
Oh also questioned whether the state government would identify an alternative site for the housing project if it confirmed that the land had been reassigned for the LRT development.
He stressed that while the LRT project is vital for Penang’s growth, the housing needs of low-income residents should not be overlooked. — January 7, 2025