Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has had a couple of “closed-door meetings” with the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) during which issues close to the heart of developers and the housing industry were raised.
“The meetings have brought fruitful result to both party and it has achieved a win-win situation,” remarked the PCCC on its website.
Really? Read through the minutes of these two closed-door meetings carefully and draw your own conclusions. Pay close attention to the discussion on the threshold for the provision of low-cost housing, back-lanes, building setback minimum distances and major house renovations. You will get an indication of what the developers are seeking and what could be in store for the rest of us.
If you don’t understand some of the terms being used, ask around. We need to educate ourselves on these issues as some of them are crucial for the quality of life in Penang.
The minutes of meeting refer to the various requests from PCCC and REDHA with the CM making no decision on those requests. With the prices of residential properties skyrocketing, there is the problem of affordability should the present density be allowed to be maintained on the island. My basic requests remain the same. 1. The increased density should not inconvenient others. ie. Don’t simply increased density without improving the infrastructure.. eg. road widening and the provision of ample parking space. 2. The developer should be honest about the density of his/her project. Make it mandatory for developer to state the project density in their brochures.
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CM oi, maybe you should have CLOSED-DOOR meeting with Tanjung Bunga residents as well no?
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Perhaps LGE strategy for next GE is to show to people that PR (or at least DAP in Penang) can also bring massive development to the state. Then he will count how many new condos, houses, apartments have been built; then how many money have been saved, how many welfare program have been carried out, etc. But one thing he forgotten that during that RUSH to bring massive development, he made many irreparable damages. These irreparable damages may damage his GE13 chances. Image (if) there are many landslide incidents occurred (which could) take many life. LGE will be one term wonder.
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Wira, why did you say CM has made no decision yet? The Minutes seem to say that all’s well and approved.
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Anil, based on this concept, does the CM or his team of EXCOs have a face to face meeting with the public Interest groups on a regular basis? Note that the aim is to present your case in a proper manner and objectively. Lets keep the emotions out
This could one good avenue to bring up issues and problems in a constructive manner.
Note that the CM has been very objective. When references are given to other Local/city councils, he has instructed that best practices be adopted in Penang.
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Wira, easier said then done!
I have yet to come across an honest developer so please la give me a break. One can state any ugly thing you want in the brochure (in fine prints of course) as long as it is glossy and colourful followed by a herd of buyers real or otherwise supposedly making the beeline, all will be sucked into the vacuum cleaner. Of course one can always argue that the greedy buyers only have themselves to blame — not the CM, not the MPPP Chief — they would have done their jobs surely.
Increased density not inconvenience others? That’s the joke of the year! Penang Bolih!
You can’t even monitor a developer going rampant in a wee corner of the island, you want to police infrastructure requirements on the island? Can or not?
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Hi Penang Bolih,
I fully agreed with your statement.
Suraya Hashim
Mont Kiara
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Penang Bolih
Everyone has to cari makan. Of course, you always try to entice business by saying Penang is the best and wanted foreign visitors to come. In fact, many still prefer LOS. I ask why. They say when they first came, there are many drug pushers. In fact, the first I get robbed in Malaysia is in Penang early in the morning before shops are open for business. So penangites are also like developers – where did they tell the truth!!!!They say Penang is the best just the developers or any other businessmen or even green groups. Each has their own slefish interest or agendas
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Even with less density but without proper road and recreation planing for the project, the area would still be trafiic congested and slum like. This is what has happened during the 18 years of KTK governance where flats and apartments are being built on an adhoc basis.
With more density and a higher floor, that would means that the ground area is now much bigger for road and recreation planning. This is what is happening now as most condo and apartment are now usually 20 – 29 storey high. Well as a starved land area like Singapore, we now have to live in apartment and condo. But as long as it is clean, well maintained with proper road & recreation planning for the residents, there is no reason not to increase the density. Businessman and investors would feel safe and confidence that they would not lose out and a win win situation for all. Singapore has done it so can Penang.
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Anil,
Being an accountant yourself, you would have known the whole purpose of the exercise is to raise more funds.
Guys,
It’s Economy, Stupid! While some naturalists would decry such move, majorities are looking for affordable housing within Penang Island. The closer the better.
Especially when one can’t raise fund by instituiting Central Provident Fund nor raising local taxes. Hmmm……That’s the way.
Again everybody has ulterior motives. Including George Aurea & the gang plus Sugumaram. George Aurea is one Bourgeouis fella whose concern hinges of having exclusivity in his vicinity. Though I agree that new development there can be equally damaging, I am positively sure even if Developer complies with all norms & rules, George would still complain
Same goes to Anil……..
As the government of the day, nobody can pleases everybody. One must make choice……We need to attract Malaysian talents home. How? Think about it
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Dear Mahsuri & Penang Bolih,
There are still many requests left pending in the minutes although the increased density issue had been accepted in principle.
On whether it is wise to accept a higher density so that housing can be made more affordable, we have to understand that nothing good comes without a price. I live in a landed property on the island and I would certainly hate to see high rise apartments springing up all over the neighbourhood. However, my objection, if upheld by the authorities, would certainly deprive many Penangites from owning a property on the island.
Thus in all fairness and for the want of more affordable housing, at least get the local government to make the necessary laws so that other residents are not inconvenienced nor the apartment buyers cheated because the density of the project was not revealed.
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There you goes again with your half truth posting. Are these letters meant for public viewing? If it is a closed door meeting, then it must be for members only. So with your posting, you purposely want to reflect it badly on LGE, implying that LGE secretly meet the developers.
Some things is wrong with some of you guys, what is the problem with building for condos, apartments? People like Gerakan K only think all other people are stupid except him. If there are no demand, do you think developer will continue buidling apartments or condos?
The only situation which can stop development is for us all to stop producing children. Can that be done?
The answer is definitely a big NO.
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Those minutes are on the PCCC website; so anybody can look them up.
I did not imply anything. The term “closed-door meeting” was used by the PCCC.
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IF the term “closed-door meeting” was used by the PCCC, than the suitable title for this article should be “Meetings Between CM and PCCC” where the “closed-door” should be left out since it is stated as a “closed-door meeting” only by PCCC but not by the CM.
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please remmember pakatan is only 1st term in office,given pakatan rakyat a chance to learn n develop….if given to BN malaysia will be worst…
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Hi Anil,
I am interested to know your opinion on Penang will be sued by a property developer for an astonishing 60million ringgit. I commend Penang for maintaining the integrity of GeorgeTown UNESCO World Heritage Site by strictly following rule of buildings not higher than 18 meters.
What is your take on this?
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So what is this about non transparent? If these minutes can be published, what is so non transparent about this government? I wonder previous govt had given such leverage at all? I rather have this government that the previous BN one!
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No low cost provision endorsement on plans for development below the 100/150 threshold.
This explained why the proposed bungalow project at PTC need not provide low cost housing. Ever wonder why? No developer will build low cost or medium cost housing below 100/150 threshold except expensive condo or bungalow. Yet state government without hesitation agree to this term, allowing developer to rip huge profit without carrying out the required social responsibility. What a government for the people!
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Any cancellation of project will be decided at SPC level and not by Chief Minister
himself. For the first time in Malaysia history the CM give up his right to cancel any project. Save himself from being blamed if he is required to cancel the project for whatever reason? This is nut and unbelievable!
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Talking about set-backs and compliance.
There is a shop lot along Jalan Perak main road next to Creative Furnishing; there seems to be a perpetual cheap aluminium fence right up to the walkway of the main road.
Want to know what’s brewing behind that fence? Wallah, a house has been built right up to the fence, with its backside facing the road. Hurray, no need for set-back! Well done enforcement officers for creativity. Penang Bolih!
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For your understanding of the term: setback
Setback is a distance from a curb, property line, or structure within which building is prohibited.
Setbacks are building restrictions imposed on property owners. Local governments create setbacks through ordinances and building codes, usually for reasons of public policy such as safety, privacy, and environmental protection. Setbacks prevent landowners from crowding the property of others, allow for the safe placement of pipelines, and help to preserve wetlands. Setbacks form boundaries by establishing an exact distance from a fixed point, such as a property line or an adjacent structure, within which building is prohibited. Generally, prospective buyers learn that land is subject to setback provisions when they are considering purchasing it. This information is important to future development plans, because setbacks remain in effect until changed by law or special action of a local government.
Setbacks can significantly affect a property owner’s right to develop land or to modify existing structures on the land. For this reason they can influence property values; severe restrictions on land can decrease its value. Violating setback provisions can lead to legal action against a property owner, and penalties can include fines as well as an order to remove noncompliant structures. Property owners whose desire to build is stymied by setbacks have few remedies. They can petition their local government by applying for a variance — a special permission to depart from the requirements of zoning ordinances — but variances are generally granted only in cases of extreme hardship. Litigation over setbacks is common.
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Anil
We Penangites need to thank you for this expose. If not for you, this … act would have gone unnoticed in this state of Development Above People.
These meeting minutes just goes to confirm what we here had been saying all along. This indeed clearly shows our dear Cheap Minister has been (meeting) with the Big Business to turn the Silicon State to a Concrete State.
Our Cheap Minister in reality is merely the Construction Minister who work hand in hand with the developers in recklessly “develop” the state (allegedly) without any regards to people’s welfare, views, environment or the long term wellbeing of the state.
What is most surprising is not the demands from the developers but the speed of response and flexibility of the CM to accede to them. The developers had been using the affordability of housing as an excuse to build high-end properties in high-end zones. But on the otherhand they managed to get the state to waive the requirement to build low cost houses.
I almost burst out laughing when they spoke about building medium cost housing as none of these developers would be ever interested in them.
Indeed it is very telling that LGE seems to be putting the interests of the developers above the rakyat’s wellbeing by agreeing to (some of) these outrageous requests. So much for democratic socialism. What we witnessing here is naked capatalism at work.
I am also appalled that the CM can meet and speedily approve the developers’ request but seems to be perpetually busy to meet civil society groups or other ordinary rakyat with issues. The most we can get is to get to pass out memo to the Cheap Minister’s (aides) and his PA.
I shudder to think what else had been going on behind the scenes in Penang without the knowledge of the Penangites.
Let’s see how the DAP cheerleaders and spinmasters try to spin this shocker.
Penang – from Pearl of Orient to Penang Sdn Bhd
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LGE should explain why MPPP agree to reduce the minimum of
20 feet setback to meet the request of REHDA as below:
Building Height</td. Minimum Distance
Up to 4 storey 10 feet
5 storey 15 feet
6 storey & above 20 feet
LGE is betraying house buyer by allowing developers to reduce the required setback. This will reduce the property value and is unfair to house buyer. Why LGE must give in to the request of the developers by sacrificing the interest of house buyers? Is this the CM who really care for the people?
This is a real bad practice by a state government to increase the built density hopefully the house buyers e not observance enough to know that they are buying an overcrowding property.
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Ong Eu Soon
Please don’t insult MPPP. If you are the chairman of MPPP, please don’t try to hide behind the Cheap Minister and ask the Cheap Minister to talk on his behalf. You make yourself like our former selloff Minister like lelong prices. Our MPPP chairman has his own backbone and dignity. In shows that Gerakan are really sore and bad losers. Sometimes one win and loses. But gerakan wanted to win eevn they lost the election. The behaviour is like UMNO trying to grab back by enticement and entrapment
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The minimum setback of 20 feet is the normal practice of MPPP. Why MPPP reduce it? Under the instruction of LGE? Who is insulting MPPP? LGE or me? Go ask MPPP!
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You raise the matter and you should go and ask. You are a big cannon still wait for the court case that you will bring. As far, it is The Maljis decision
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Less than 2 years in power, LGE already learn to deprive us of a livable environment without any public consultation
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We must continue to support Anil for his great job. His heart is sincere for Penang. A truely middle ground writer. Attacks both BN and PR without fear or favour. A true hero.
Anyways,
When is LGE having closed door meeting with Penang People.
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Will be distributing this material at a forum by YB Rayer, ADUN Seri Delima along Lorong Delima 11 (playground beside Rukun Tetangga) at 3pm today. Forum on Crime Prevention. All are welcome to ask your YB, crime prevention first or convention centre.
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Where is the privacy when the setback is only 10 feet? If you are a peeping tom, may be this will be a good news to you. Buy any building less than 5 storey height, you can peep at the girls or boys opposite your unit. Thanks a lot to LGE for making this “wildest dream” come true.
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The state government recently decided to increase the density to 280,000 sq ft in built-up area from 90,000 sq ft per 100,000 sq ft of land. I certainly agreed with the decision as it will allow developers to build more and bigger space unit at more affordable price hence giving consumers more choices.
Currently low cost unit are those between 500 sq ft – 650 sq ft price at 50,000 – 75,000. Medium cost unit are those between 700 sq ft (price 135,00 to 150,000) & 870 sq ft (price 180,000 – 270,000) depending on the amenities, interior and common property furnishing, car park allocation etc. Recently, Deputy CM Mansor said that law would amended for more LOW MEDIUM cost unit of 850 sq ft below 100,000 thereby providing MORE LOW INCOME people with better living conditions and amenities instead of in cramp unit of 500 – 650 sq ft. This is definitely a good start for the PR government
Some example,currently The Spring 920 sq ft sell at 315,000, Summer 875 sq ft – 275,000, Lengkok P Ramlee 875 st ft-260,000, Jalan P Ramlee 700 sq ft – 135,000,
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Our main problems lies with our transport system. Given a proper and near perfect transport system like Singapore and Hong Kong, we will not suffer due to road congestions. Human will keep on reproducing so the new generation should not be deprived of affordable homes and eventually most areas of Penang will be densely populated. Who ever thought of land in Sg Ara to be in great demand 20 years ago. Now even land in Balik Pulau will be target of major development.
The previous Mahathir govt is wholely responsible for our problems today. If an excelent, fast and reliable Public Transport System is given utmost priority over the local car industry (the local car industry only benefited a handful of cronies), we would not be facing this rpoblem today.
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Looes744, you better pray hard, you better not cry… when you are living in a house similar to that of George A and others at the foothill of Surin, or in one of the apartments at the edge of Surin on a rainy, rainy, rainy day.
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Ulterior Motives,
When I was born, I live in a house in Highland Tower next to Rubber Tree Plantation in Kuala Kangsar. You know the hill slope is just 5o metres from my house. It expose bare……..Hmmm……Perhaps, my parents should have complained……Nobody seem to care or bother…..Perhaps, we need Anil Netto there…….Hehehe……we can get compensatrion from the developer
By the way, my grand daddy’s house was taken away & converted into a car park in Kuala Kangsar……We need Anil Netto
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