Tanjung Bunga Residents Association chairman George Aeria reflects after handing in a residents’ memo calling for a ban on property development on steep hill-slopes in Penang:
With the submission of the memorandum to our state government (via YB Phee), the TBRA and the Chee Seng Gardens Action Committee have decided to give our new and better state government (from the last one-lah) a two-month period to see concrete action. In fact, in my discussion with YB Phee on the day of submission, he did indicate that he might come back to us earlier. We are pleased with his statement and his care for the environment of Penang.
To put on record, the TBRA and Chee Seng Garden Action Committee is VERY aware that this whole mess is caused by the past government under the unresponsive Gerakan-Koh Tsu Koon and Umno government with all their irresponsible approvals. He lost badly and even had to get out of Tanjung Bunga to contest on the mainland because he knew the groundswell against him and he would have lost.
We are also sorry to see DAP and PKR having to shoulder the s… dished out by the old administration. However, our point of view is that no one said it is easy running a state government, especially when they have to right a clear wrong. So since they want to govern, we want our new state government to walk their talk and to ban all current dangerous hill-slope development and all similar future projects.
We are pleased that in the discussion with YB PHee, he said that there is already a ban on Class III and Class IV hill slopes, just like Selangor. Well, good – BUT please come out publicly and announce it and make it a clear state policy just like the Pakatan government did in Selangor. Thereafter, review our memo and should the perceived irresponsible acts in the Bolton project be true, please ban that too and all other projects that are done not in accordance with requirements.
The sin against nature in Tanjung Bunga and Batu Ferringhi with all this dangerous hill slope development MUST STOP.
Since this has been dragging too long now, let’s do this objectively.
Firstly, there are a lot of reasons to oppose development on adjacent plot of land, especially in hilly Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi. Let’s analyse some valid reasons then:
-1. Opposing the development because your view will be blocked by the new development is not a valid concern.
-2. Opposing the development because of the fear of safety to your current premise is a valid concern.
-3. Opposing the development because of lost of “environment” and water catchment area is a valid concern.
There are a lot more, I am sure, but those are probably the main ones. I can sympathise with reason No.2. I can understand reason No.3.
To deal with No.2, simply stopping all current projects would not work. It *might* even be more dangerous – with exposed soil and all. The residents should engage the developer and the government to ensure the development is safe – proper geotechnical report is done, every feasible safety measures have been taken into account. That said, the residents themselves should shoulder part of the responsibility to protect their own safety. Engage the management of the condominium or apartments to conduct periodic soil testing to anticipate any danger, or to mitigate or fix any dangerous area. Afterall, it’s their choice to live there.
To deal with No.3, technically speaking our very own existence on this Earth, with the way we are living now, is degradation of the environment no matter how you see it. Yes, some environment will be lost in development. We want to achieve a balance, an equilibrium. Lost of water catchment area can be helped with current water harvesting technology and new ways to deal with stormwater run-off. That is partly the responsibility of the developer, and partly that of the government. Engage both agencies to ask them to utilise new technology.
I don’t see how a blanket ban can be viable, or even just. To say a blanket ban will be able to solve the problem of landslide would be a mistake, and to say Class 3 slopes is too dangerous to build would be an insult to the Civil Engineering profession.
Stop demonising developers. Stop being aggressive and abusive to everyone. TBRA is doing exactly that. First hand experience in my own apartment committee do not augur well with anyone, and certainly does not achieve any win-win situation.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Simple, wait 2 months from today and will you please blog on the respond on 29 June 2009.
I set my alarm for 29 June 2009 and i will put alert on your thread on 29 June 2009.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I agree that we should stop being aggresive and abusive. I do not know much about the develpoment in Chee Seng Gardens to comment about it, but I do know about the development in Solok Tan Jit Seng. After speaking to various parties, there is actually nothing wrong with the development in Solok Tan Jit Seng. The houses are going to be built away from the slopes and there is minimum earthworks on the slope. The engineering professionals of the developer had submitted plans in accordance to the requirements of the by-laws and also MPPP’s Professional Engineers have reviewed and approved it.
So, what is the problem?
There are only 2 residents whose houses are in Solok Tan Jit Seng which happened to right beside the project which are objecting. THEY ARE DOING IT FOR THEIR PERSONAL INTEREST (noise, pollution, blah blah….). The others neighbours in Solok Tan Jit Seng and Jalan Tan Jit Seng, and even those living on the houses on stilts are not longer participating in the objections. During the last “TEA PARTY”, nobody from Pearl Hill or Solok Tan Jit Seng or Jalan Tan Jit Seng turned up, except for the occupants of the 2 houses.
In the initial protest, some residents from Pearl Hill turned up after being fed with wrong information (being told that their houses would collapse, etc…) from those 2 residents.
TBRA and Anil should not be dragged into assisting in the “protest” and make it sound like all residents in Hillside are objecting. They should not be serving the interest of only 2 families.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
this whole mess is caused by the past government under the unresponsive Tan Sri Ya dan Botol and Umno government with all their irresponsible approvals. He lost badly and even had to get out of Tanjung Bunga to contest on the mainland because he knew the groundswell against him and he would have lost.
Never mind lah on losing, Tan Sri Ya dan Botol is now appointed a Senator and made a Performance Minister. Shall he return to Penang to assist Pakatan to deal with the “mess”? By this action, he has to prove to the people of Penang that he can “perform”.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I think the good YB is mistaken… there is no ban on Class 3 and 4 slopes.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
At least, the (new)Penang government has the gut to question all hillside development and take some action.
New KL Mayor is 100% silent on hillside development.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
There is nothing wrong if buildings are on steep slopes beacuse they are ROCK!! The sites in Penang and Ampang is different beacuse Penang is more than a rocky outcrop island whereas Ampang is in the Klang valley famous for its tin mine. Just look at Sinkapore – the hills are not tall as their HDB flats and Changi airport is founded on soft clay.
You all must give chances to Malaysian Engineers. In fact the Bristish learn more engineering in Hong Kong than in UK because of the nature of the project and hilly terrain. The Dutch become well known in hydraulics and dikes because most of the land are low. Why don’t they live in fear of breaches in the dikes? Why don’t the public complain? Because they believe and trust in their professionals.
So let the experts formulate the laws and zonings and with feedback from the community. Unfortuantely, this was not done by BN. Now we have the cart before the horse.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
TBRA – be consultative and constructive. Engage the demonized developers first. If they play punk, then you play punk yourselves.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I agree with the comments made by Monique. I believed TBRA is being used by certain people for their personal interest. I have seen the plans for Solok Tan Jit Seng from the developer. It is for a few rows of town houses, away from the slope. There are probably some bungalows along the way too.
If you go to Solok Tan Jit Seng, you would notice an abandoned run down existing house. The owner had submitted plans to rebuilt the house, but these same residents also objected to his proposal. You can check with MPPP.
So, these 2 or perhaps 3 families are the only ones complaining and making using of TBRA, Anil and the press. In fact, they also mentioned Tanjung Bungah Secondary School in one of their complaints. LET’S BE CLEAR…DO NOT PULL TANJUNG BUNGAH SECONDARY SCHOOL INTO YOUR PERSONAL AGENDA !!!!!
My message to Mr. Teh, Mr Phee and Mr LGE…is not to spend too much time and effort on the Solok Tan Jit Seng case. The majority of residents here voted for you, so it is time to do your job. Help the majority and do not serve the interest of 2 or 3 families.
Hmm, how do you know that Monique had commented, when I approved both yours and “her” comments at the same time? It’s also interesting that you both have the same IP address! – Anil
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Why Tan Sri KSK and his superiors umno dont appear and help to clear all the messes started during his rule?if you are keen to serve the people. In the real world esp in the private sector the previous staff responsible for the mess will have to face the music,But we are living in an unreal world folks, so what can you do
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Just look at the pahang’s case where the state govt have to pay RM60M for breach of contract. Another RM400+M lawsuit against the Johore state govt is pending in Johore. So whoever want to put up a guarantee to the tune of a few hundred millions RM in case the Pg state govt is sued and lose, I think the state govt will be happy to stop all hillslope project in the state.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Ban on all future steep hillslope project is ok….but not on projects already approved by the previous state govt. It is just too risky…..1)chances of the state govt losing Millions in compensation is too great and 2) all open exposed surface have to be covered and if that is not done, soil erosions will occur on rainy days putting the hillslope in danger of extreme erosions.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
The Penang State Government still has time to take action before its too late, I suggest the state government stops the land reclamation works around the shores of the coastal highway leading to Penang Bridge – The Light Project by IJM !! Reclaiming land and shooing away the water will cost us a hefty price someday, look at the condition of the mini fishermen village nearby the IJM The Light Project. ALL THE PROJECTS ALONG BATU FERINGGI MUST STOP IMMEDIATELY!! NOT JUST STOP WORK ORDER BUT PROJECT CLOSING CEREMONY FOR GOOD!!
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
**Hmm, how do you know that Monique had commented, when I approved both yours and “her” comments at the same time? It’s also interesting that you both have the same IP address! – Anil**
Nice one, Anil! Let’s have honest commentary here ppl!
I would support a ban on FUTURE projects on safety issues but not pre-approved ones, TBRA or no. Unless, TBRA comes up with the legal and compensation funds themselves. The state government should only approve and facilitate the paperwork of such cancellations. Cancellation of pre-approved projects on safety grounds could well start a similar discussion on COMPLETED projects as well. And why not?
Are we talking about guidelines? Then what guidelines did these projects in question breach? How then did they get approved? Funny that TBRA didn’t engage/sue the previous state government. Why now?
TBRA has to engage the developers and buyers as well (bring along your pots and pans – I have a respectable collection of belangas they can borrow any time! Just give me a heads-up eh Anil?) Or have they done this without you reporting them? This would have made sense – but of course more work. It is time for TBRA to fully engaged. Those approvals didn’t involve the state government only.
My stance is this, if the state government is further left holding the bag, then let every TBRA member vote BN next GE.
After all, since BN won the state government before this government, TBRA must also bear the consequences of it. This would tie in nicely with their stance of using the ballot box as a bargaining tool with the state government.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Let TBRA make as much noises as possible – even if a minority of the noises may be mistaken, being misled by a few. That’s how democracy works to drag out crucial information from complex and non-transparent system. TBRA is institutionalizing a public debate.
The cliff-like project above Chee Seng Garden, for example, is more complex than outsiders imagine. It apparently involved incomplete geo-technical studies (at least the one shown to TBRA) and developing portion of land not under approval (at least the approval known to TBRA).
We need more daring NGOs like TBRA – necessarily motivated by the personal (some would say selfish) concerns of the individuals involved. Who else are going to get actively involved? You who place all faith in certain engineers and developers nurtured under the KTK-BN-UMNO government? KTK was well-known to be gentlemanly, or some say cowardly, and see what evil grew under his bed?
I’m sure there are capable Malaysian engineers as well as corrupted engineers. Under the previous government, which do you think won most of the past approvals on steep hillsides?
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Anil, you astute chap! You hit it squarely on the head with your wry remark about “Monique” and “Khoo Jin Hup”! Ha ha! Probably the developer. I am sure he’s been flooding your site with lots of other similar comments. Keep up the good work!
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Dear All,
To all those who talk like Monique and Jin Hup, you guys can say whatever you want BUT there is a whole load of us in Tg. Bunga who are really pissed off at the way the developer/s (or some say DevIl-opers) are cutting our already steep hill slopes to build houses and apartments – thus putting all in harms way. To also say that the Tan Jit seng project is safe is insane.
We in TBRA have no desire to court the developers because the ones that are responsible are the City Councils who gave permits for the construction when the construction were on Class IV hill slopes (beyond 35 degrees gradient – and that are considered dangerous to develop, so says the Ministry of Environment).
To cut a hill that is way more than 35 degrees gradient and to then sell it to the general public is nothing but a sin of greed for it puts human lives in danger.
For all those who say it is nothing wrong – well I think you:-
a. no idea of what you are talking about
b. you work for the developer to try and sway opinion towards the developers,
c. YOu are brainless
Nonetheless, if you in support of the construction – do please come up with your own Coffee Party or Tea Party and Press releases and Memorandums and you go ahead and support those dangerous hill slope contruction. Stop telling us to come up with our funds to pay off the approval when it is cancelled because that approval is very questionable in the first place taking into account the dangerous slopes that are being developed.
We are doing this it out of our own deep conscions knowing that it is NOT safe for these new home buyers AND more importantly for us old residents who now live in the shadow of these massive cut hills which should they move like Antarabangsa – will envelope our home and our lives.
We are not doing this for the sake of a better view, or for some selfish interest. It may surprise you but there are many of us who think of our & our family’s safety and of others. We also are thinking of our beloved Penang and the harm this is doing to our state.
So for all those whose comments that throw cold water on TBRA and the good folk of Chee Seng – I say to you – you go do something more concrete than just type negative words in this blog. Go do some Coffee Parties and memo writing & petition signing to support those irresponsible developers and City Council Officials who approved the projects. You go get your funds to do some independant study to show that all dangerous hill slope development is safe and the Highland & Antarabangsa landslides are God’s doing-lah.
George
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
TBRA speak for themselves only. As for the poor who will speak for them when their houses are built on contaminated soil where hazardous material are leaking or wash down by flood waters? Or they face constant dust and noise pollution emitted by cars of those those TBRA members who pass their houses daily? Can those poor ones ask TBRA members not to drive past their houses causing environment hazard?
Those corrupted ones are those not directly responsible for the certification of the buildings. But if you ask the Engineer who certified, he would not take the risk. In fact sometimes, they do not have good night sleep if they think that the building or ground are not safe.
So the solution is to have a comprehesive review of the laws, zones, type of building structures and construction procedures and monitor them.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Dear Jughead,
I do not think it is fair for you to say that TBRA only speaks for themselves. Apart from working hard to earn a living to put food on the table for their family members, the members of TBRA are busy fighting this battle to save their family members and friends and neighbours and fellow Penangites from being part of the statistics in tragedies similar to those of Bukit Antarabangsa and Highland Towers. If you do FEEL for the poor then why don’t you do something for the poor? And what makes you think that there are no poor people amongst the residents of Tanjong Bungah, whose welfare are being equally looked into by TBRA?
As for giving chances to our local engineers. I do agree that we need to give our local engineers to prove that they are as good as the Dutch engineers in building the dikes, but not at the expense of people’s lives. There’re obviously a lot of differences in the law enforcement and work ethics between the powers that be in the Netherlands and this country where most of the time, we, Malaysians are left on our own to fend for ourselves while the law enforcement officers are trained to protect the powers that be. So, what is wrong with TBRA fighting for their own rights?
Again Jughead, if you really feel that you can contribute, maybe you can start with helping the poor people that you are obviously concerned about. And while you are at it, you might want to look into how to help the stateless children in Sabah; children of migrants who were left by their parents to fend for themselves…Or the indigenous people in remote areas in Sarawak who do not have clean water to drink..May peace be with you..
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Dear Jughead
We do not only speak for ourselves but we have got 1,558 other people from Tanjong Bunga who signed a petition who agree with us and have said the same thing as what our memorandum states to the Govt.
So lets not confuse our support. We have it. Do you have any support to show that you speak for large portion of people in your area. If so, pls show us. Otherwise do not write and say we have no support.
The issues here TODAY are
a. did the City Council Officers in CHarge do right in approving a hill slope development that is clearly in Class IV.
b. Why did he Council NOT take action all this while when there was land Development works being done on land outside the approved permit i.e. the Geotech report was for Lot 4189 but the developers are happily clearing on 4165 and 4166 and perhaps 4188.
c. Why does the city council NOT take action for all the wrongs committed by the developer to mitigate the land development works or upon clearing the land when they do not comply. It is all stated in the Geotech report. It is NOT being followed.
So, Jughead – Pls do not cloud the issue about poor people here and there. That is another issue for another day. AGAIN I remind you that the issue is ALL about building structures on very steep slopes that have the potential to a landslide – just like Highland Tower & Bukit Antarabangsa – Is calling out for a review and to save our lives in the future so wrong. AND precisely Because it is so CLOSE to existing homes (@ 10 – 13 meters away is the nearest row of houses), it is dangerous. That is all. Thank you for you time to read Jughead
Thank you
George Aeria
Chee Seng & TBRA
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Gustri
Can you tell me apart from speaking about Tg Bungah, whereas TBRA is concerned about other’s environment?
Is TBRA a pressure group or a charitable organisation? Helping those people in Sarawak about clean water and helpless children are left to charity organisations eg World Vision and Oxfarm or Rotary and Lion Clubs or Red Cross. Can you differentiate the two functions?
Clearly you do not understand about the dikes in Holland. Most of the country are below sea level and it is worst than a hill slip if the dikes are breached like those happen in New Orleans
You brought out about the Work Ethics. But why Penang People continue to vote for BN and Gerakan for the past few elections if they do not consider people’s feeling like what you are shouting about? Now you start to Ah Gee and Ah Joe. As you mentioned yourself, you are more concerned with food on the table and not concern what BN Government is doing? Isn’t it TBRA is self-interest?
George
I am not deviating the topic. Many poor people are living near rail tracks, rivers that are treated as rubbish or redeveloped land where polluting factories are sited. The land are contaminated. Who speak for them as they are living in danger zone just as what you feel about Tg Bungah hills?
I totally agree with you that due to zoning or regulations we must follow the guidelines as to the classifications of hillslopes and zones. But if the land is flat with with spot that is a rock outcrop, do you mean building is not allowed?
As for Council approving, please clarify if they are under BN or present Government? If Council approves them when it is listed,as Class IV why the matter was not raised with previous ADUN or Government or with the MACCA? Apparently TBRA looks for the easy way and is more concerned with the food on the table as one member said.
I do share your concern if the hills are susceptible to slope failures and slips and also in Class IV areas. But the matter should have been raised with the previous government. But as far as the last election, TBRA hardly make it an election issue. So whose fault if TBRA did not speak out in the early stage? Now TBRA start to Ah Gee and Ah Joe.
It is strange that to go back to the vomit when BN government approves all the development without listing to the residents.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Jughead,
As already mentioned
a. We do not speak for ourselves – we have support. All 1,558 of us And you – YOu have none.
b. We are talking about Dangerous Hill Slope Development in this topic, not Ah Gee and Ah Joe as you put it
c. Chee Seng Hill is not all rock – is is mainly red soil with large boulders & rocks here and there
d. It is being built on very steep CLass IV cliff and not flat land
d. TBRA was set up in mid 2006 and we did make “noise” (as you put it) with the prior CM, who we already said was unresponsive and in short quite useless under the yoke of UMNO
e. THere is no rock outcrop or flat land where Bolton Surin is building. They are cutting further into an already steep Class IV hill – you are totally ignorant of the slope condition in Chee Seng nor the soil stucture and thus you are presently talking c….
f. Yes you are deviating from the topic, as we are not talking about any other matter except Building on dangerous hill slopes. THe rest of the problems of this world will have to wait another day
g. We all agree this is situation is caused by the old BN Govt. But if the new Govt won’t deal with it, who will? YOU?? Hardly – am I right as you keep defending the developer/s. WHY, I wonder??
So this is my last response to you on the matter as really there is nothing more to add, Jughead.
By and by – your name does say something about you. Jughead!!
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Folks,
There you go again. Well, at least people do understand NGOs do not represent the wishes of all Penangites. Hence, such threat of withdrawing support or even shouting on themes such as ” Neglecting NGO wishes at your peril” backfires.
Of course, they have the rights to voices their concern. The government of the day has the right to decide based on all peoples’ interests as a whole including TBRA. I mean everybody. If not, majority of Pennagite interests.
While I understood that this topic of paying penalties to developers have been discussed before,but any fool proof solutions have been taken in order to ensure that such action (Banning CURRENT & future slope projects) proposed by interested parties such as TBRA especially George Aeria would not eventually BANKRUPTING the state government. Affecting every PENANGITES. Come on! Even rich government such as Iceland gone bankrupt as they ain’t over such matters.
George,
What are the contingency plans of preventing such fallouts from lawsuits from the developers? Is TBRA going to raise fund to fund the penalties payout in any case of banning all current hill slope projects?
Do you know how much the state government budgetted to collect for this year? How much government expenditures would be for this year? The reserves? And the federal government is not going a hoot of helping the state government due to partisan politics.
How would you resolve these problems when your porposal of all CURRENT hill slope projects is accepted by the government of the day? It’s like nailing a leak. You create more leaks. The state government would bleed to death. Every Penangites would suffer at the end.
George,
Please address this concern first. It matters to every Penangites not to see all essential services rendered by state government went bust because of such acceptance proposal proposeed by TBRA
People,
Perhaps, this would be much better solution. So called TB residents can leave Batu Ferringgi and stayed elsewhere. Of course, with land parcel exhanges subject to extensive nego with the state government.Then, Raise the land taxes and assessments in the hill slope housing estates skyhigh so as to discourage people into staying in those areas. Plus they should be made signning an indemnity form
George,
I am totally pissed (including plenty of Penangites I believe) of such statement I quote
” c. You are brainless ”
Kindly respect other peoples’ opinions. And one thing, I am not saying that I am totally ignorant of the real problems. Heck, I stayed in one of those area in Kuala Kangsar when I was young. I understand & emphatise what you mean.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Jughead Darling.. I’ve been to the dikes in Holland and New Orleans. Amazing job the engineers did with the dikes in Holland ain’t it? New Orleans didn’t have much of a dike. So, yes, I know what you are talking about and I definitely know what I am talking about
And I AM involved in helping out the poor, directly; both in my involvement with NGOs as well as as a loose coalition of individuals who sincerely care. So, yes, I know the difference. Oh, so I notice you only mentioned NGOs or rather ‘charity organizations’ as you put it that are known internationally. These are NGOs, I’m sure you know that right? And I’m sure you know the difference between an NGO and a charity organization being a very informed person that you are. And do you know that there are also local NGOs around apart from the international ones that you normally hear about on TV? I’m sure you’ve heard of them. They do need help you know, especially concerned citizens like your kind self.
I’m sorry but I don’t quite agree with you that only the fates of the poor are left to the ‘charity organizations’. TBRA is fighting for everyone. If they win this battle, it will be a landmark for other neighbourhoods to follow, rich or poor
Eh? Haven’t you heard that Penangites didn’t vote for BN in the recent General Election? hhmm… I expected more from you Jughead Darling..
You see, My Dear Jughead, I know what I am talking about. As for putting food to the table, I think we have to be realistic here that everyone needs to work to put food to the table no? Peace be with you… *wink*
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
George,
By the way, I have to apologies if any comment of mine (be it in this blog or other blog. Present or Past) of offending you or TBRA. However, I do hope that there is no element of “BN” provocateurs within any NGOs especially TBRA of attempting of disrupting the workings of the state government especially those held by PR.
Having an uncooperative federal government of practically sabotaging any and every PR state government actions are bad enough. There shall not be any more salt added onto the wounds
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0