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Save Penang from catastrophe

  • Publication Date | March 3, 2016
  • Document Type | Media Statement
  • Programmes | Development & Planning
  • Issues | Urban Development
  • Tags | MBPP, Penang
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Stop high density project in Sg Ara, say the residents with SAM & CAP President S.M. Mohamed Idris and staff | SAM
Stop high density project in Sg Ara, say the residents with SAM & CAP President S.M. Mohamed Idris and staff | SAM

This is a Consumers’ Association of Penang’s Media Statement supported by Sahabat Alam Malaysia

CAP urges MBPP to seriously consider objection of residents protesting high density development on Lot 586 & 675 Sungai Ara

The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) urges the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to seriously consider the objections raised by residents of Taman Siara 81 and neighbouring landowners on a proposed high density development on Lots 586 and 675 in Sungai Ara. 

Residents of Sg Ara with CAP & SAM President S.M. Mohamed and staff protesting high density development in Sg Ara

The developer, Potential Dual Sdn. Bhd. has proposed to build a block of 34-storey apartment comprising of two towers of 25-storey affordable homes and one block of 25-storey low medium cost homes. The development consists of a 7-storey vehicle parking lot, 2-storey shop lot and other amenities.  The total number of housing units proposed is 750. 

The residents have raised their objection on the proposed development here based on the carrying capacity of the area, use of road in the housing estate, under capacity of existing drainage system, threat to flora and fauna in the orchards and hill here, possible closure of access to a hill road popularly used for mountain biking and walking. 

The high density policy introduced by the Penang State government in 2012 whereby the density of residential projects was increased from 30 units per acre to 87 units per acre is the crux of the problem as it worsens congestion and does not seriously consider capacity of a said area in the island. 

Just recently the media reported that the city council was formulating a policy to hike up the density further to 122 units per acre following a directive from the State Planning Committee.Are these higher density projects to fulfil demand of affordable housing or developers? 

Approval for developers to build high density high rise without due consideration given to the natural environment and carrying capacity will have adverse impacts on livability or quality of life of not only the occupants but also others in the surrounding areas, as apparent in this case.  

The changes and pace of development in Penang that we are witnessing now is beyond comprehension and we are very concerned of the approaching catastrophe. Is the idea of the government to destroy or save Penang for posterity? 

It is prudent for the State to ponder about the direction that we are heading for and about the effects these changes will have on our environment and on ourselves, the people of Penang.  

People of Penang, Save Penang. It is in your hands now. 

S.M. Mohamed Idris

President

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Testimonials

Sahabat Alam Malaysia adalah satu badan bukan kerajaan (NGO) yang telah sekian lama berjuang mempertahan kelestarian alam. Ia juga mendidik masyarakat tentang pentingnya kebersamaan dalam pemikiran dan tindakan agar alam ini dapat kita wariskan kepada generasi hadapan dalam keadaan yang elok dan terpelihara. Dalam pada itu juga SAM giat membantu golongan nelayan pantai dalam memperjuangkan hak-hak mereka sehinggalah tertubuhnya Persatuan Pendidikan dan Kebajikan Nelayan Pantai Malaysia (JARING). Nelayan pantai sepenuh masa ini dididik oleh SAM sehingga mereka mampu memainkan peranan sebagai pemimpin nelayan yang meneruskan kesinambungan memperjuangkan hak-hak nelayan pantai lainnya. Sebagai contoh SAM telah berjaya menyedarkan masyarakat nelayan keperluan menjaga hutan paya bakau untuk kebaikan hasil tangkapan nelayan itu sendiri.
Jamaluddin Mohamad Bualik
Jamaluddin Mohamad BualikPersatuan Pendidikan dan Kebajikan Jaringan Nelayan Pantai Malaysia (JARING)
During the 1980s, I used to read about the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) in the news. After retirement, some time in 2001, while lazing around, I read news about the construction of a carbon in leach plant using sodium cyanide to extract gold in Bukit Koman. My friends and I visited CAP and we were introduced to SAM and her legal team. We discussed the details of filing a case against the gold mining company and the department of environment with Ms Meenakshi Raman and her legal team. That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship between lawyers from SAM and many of us from Bukit Koman. We had many ups and downs in our struggle to shut down the gold mine that was causing a nuisance in our village. But, as a community we never gave up because SAM had our backs.
Hue Fui How
Hue Fui HowSecretary, Bukit Koman Ban Cyanide in Goldmining Action Committee (BCAC)
Sahabat Alam Malaysia adalah sebuah NGO yang memperjuangkan nasib masyarakat luar bandar khasnya. SAM menerima aduan-aduan masyarakat dan menyelesaikan masalah yang dihadapi. SAM telah mewujudkan ramai aktivis-aktivis sosial dan alam sekitar. Pada era 1980 dan 90an SAM sangat dihormati oleh masyarakat dan agensi kerajaan. Apabila media sosial menguasai maklumat maka SAM pun terkesan dan masalah masyarakat terus disalurkan dengan pelbagai cara. SAM perlu mewujudkan aktivis-aktivis pelapis yang muda untuk terus membantu masyarakat. SAM juga perlu membuat perubahan supaya banyak turun kelapangan dan jangan mengharapkan laporan media sahaja. Tingkatkan prestasi sebagaimana pada zaman kegemilangan SAM di era 80-90an.
Che Ani Mt Zain
Che Ani Mt Zain
SAM taught me the importance of social activism and the role it plays in upholding the rights of people and the protection of the environment. In my experience, SAM has never hesitated to speak up in defence of people and their environment, and has gone the extra mile to champion their rights, by helping communities take their battles to the higher ups and even to the courts.
Jessica Binwani
Jessica BinwaniPublic/Private Interest Lawyer
Semenjak kami kenal SAM, banyak pengalaman dan pengetahuan yg kami dapat. Kami telah belajar cara membuat baja asli daripada SAM. Semenjak itu, bermulalah minat kami dalam aktiviti pertanian. Dengan memperolehi kemahiran dalam membuat baja asli dan penanaman lestari, kami juga telah dapat menambahkan pendapatan sampingan kami. Ini lebih baik daripada tanah kami terbiar dan tidak diusahakan. Terima kasih SAM kerana sudi memberi bantuan dan tunjuk ajar kepada Persatuan kami.
Chedo Anak Nyuwen
Chedo Anak NyuwenPersatuan Penduduk Sg Buri, Bakong, Marudi
My journey with SAM started when her community organisers took me to the meet the paddy farmers of Kedah, connecting my growing interest in environmental law with our people who struggle to work the land in the face of pollution, replacement of traditional seeds with commercial hybrids and their accompanying chemical package of fertilisers and weedicides. I then had the honour to work with SAM in the struggle for the rights of the native communities of Sarawak, in defence of their forests from massive logging and destructive mega-projects. In every issue that SAM takes up, she combines rigorous research with the realities and voices of the communities to advocate for policies and laws that care for people and nature. From the courts to the elected legislators to policy makers and implementers and to the United Nations, SAM walks side by side with the communities in Malaysia. How can I not be inspired by the vision and passion of the generations of women and men who coalesce to form SAM?
Chee Yoke Ling
Chee Yoke Lingstudent of SAM, Executive Director of Third World Network, SAM’s sister organisation

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Sahabat Alam Malaysia (Headquarters)
No. 1, Jalan Joki, 11400 Penang,
Malaysia
Tel: +604 827 6930
Fax: +604 827 6932

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (Marudi Office)
129A, First Floor,
Jalan Tuanku Taha,
P.O.Box 216,
98058 Marudi, Baram, Sarawak,
Malaysia
Tel & Fax: +6085 758 973

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