Press Release by YBhg Dato' Dr Teng Hock Nan

Press Release by YBhg Dato' Dr Teng Hock Nan

Former Penang State Exco Member in charge of Local Government





THE PROPOSED PGCC PROJECT:

PREVIOUS STATE GOVERNMENT DID NOT APPROVE AS YET

PRESENT GOVERNMENT CAN DECIDE AND IMPOSE LEVIES





It must be emphasised that the application for planning permission by the developer of the proposed Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) project has not yet been approved by the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) under the previous state government as of 8 March 2008.



The previous state government has also not made any decision as yet on whether and how much premiums or charges were to be levied on the developer relating to the proposed PGCC project.



The formulation of the structure plan, which made provisions on zoning of development for the whole state, followed the proper provisions and procedure for structure plan under the Town and Country Planning Act. Public exhibitions and hearings were held in 2006 - 2007 on the draft structure plan which was finalised and gazetted in June 2007.



In this respect, the structure plan did not specify the type (residential or commercial or "mixed") and the scale (density, plot ratio, etc) of "new development" zoned on that site.



The MPPP can still decide whether to reject or approve any development proposal, including the type and the scale. It is also up to the State Planning Committee chaired by the Chief Minister to provide guidance.



Therefore, since no decision has been made as yet, it is up to the new state government and the MPPP to make whatever decision that they think suitable with respect to the site and any development proposal, including whatever charges to be imposed.











Sat, 10/5/2008