Be prepared for more congestion in already congested Batu Ferringhi if this project goes through. And that’s just for starters.
The state government says the state needs higher density so that more affordable housing can be built. But what is behind this highly misleading term “affordable housing”.
The reality is that developers are being exempted from the 30 per cent quota of building low-cost and low-medium cost housing if they build this so-called “affordable housing”.
The state’s definition of affordable housing is RM200000 for a 750 sq ft home, RM300000 for an 850 sq ft home, and RM400000 for a 900 sq ft home.
So we need to ask, affordable for whom? What about those with a household income of say RM2000 and with a family to feed? Can they afford this “affordable housing”?
The other question we need to ask is, on what authority is the state government allowing higher densities when densities are clearly stipulated in the Penang Structure Plan 2005-2020?
Meanwhile, the more detailed Penang Island Local Plan is conveniently missing in action (approved in 2008 but never put up for public display/feedback or gazetted. Top secret, except to a privileged few, you see).
In the Penang Structure Plan, Batu Ferringhi is regarded as a secondary development corridor. So why are higher densities being approved?
Tanjung Bunga too, though someone then changed the illustration in the Structure Plan for the area to show it a primary development corridor when the text still says it is a secondary corridor.
You also wonder how the Batu Ferringhi road is going to cope with all the added traffic.
Good luck, Penangites. You will need it.
Meanwhile, if you are free, why not hop over to the ongoing Penang International Property Expo 2015 to find out what other ‘wonders’ await us.
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my only hope is we develop the land appropriately so all can make a proper living and live peacefully in our place. People in charge lack planning for the future, all done at ad hoc basis, there’s no real plan that puts the well being of the people at heart, its whose pocket to fill. I am so sad one day our kids will suffer our folly
Tunglang is right on spot that DAP is Developer Association of Penang.
Below is interesting enough to show he is right
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s wife, Betty Chew, is listed on the property services committee of the Penang Chinese Chambers of Commerce (PCCC), but speculation is rife as to whether Chew had accepted the appointment.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/286222
I have some regrets in my life but I will share two: 1) I didn’t successfully woo my 1st girlfriend (of Siamese blood) in Siam Road to be my wife. 2) I was wooed (in all my honesty) that dangerous 308 night in Han Chiang field to vote for a supposedly ‘thy-only-saviour’ political party that alas failed my wishful-thinking dream + vision of a liveable Penang not only for myself but also for my children (who are now advised to emigrate with all their talents to other places in the future). Lesson: Money talks louder than ‘thy-saviour’ vision & great… Read more »
Did the Han Chiang 308 rally promise Penangites that developers cannot build high rise, high density and expensive homes?
Unhappy Peranakan wedding bliss hence resort to past Sawanikap romance ? Over 50s job insecurity with competition from smartphone savvy younger media executives ? Midlife crisis brewing better let it go all negative thoughts. Go rekindle the passions having family potluck reunion to feel valued by children and in-law. Bless you.
Smartphone savvy doesn’t say anything but one thing – suck your parent’s hard-earned money every 6 months for a new smartphone. Right? Jay Jay
Jay Jay. Are you interested to work as my sidekick at Peranakan wedding ceremony?
No need for your midlife crisis counselling skill. My clients are all happily going to marry elderly couples. Many Ang Moh who also plan to remarry.
Only your kap-siao skill will do! And walk with bum sways, ok?
Interested?
tunglang must learn to live life without regrets.
I suggest tunglang and family could engage in Frozen’s Sing-Along of the hit song ‘Let It Go’ at TGV cinema. Appreciate the lyrics and let go all the frustration.
Another way is to sing-along this youtube of Let It Go:
Jay Jay A-So. What happened to your song? Have better taste next time. Willy, a life without any regret is a life without experiences. Unless you are a monk under the blissful bodhi tree, don’t fool yourself life must be perfectly happy all the way. My frustration with this CAT doesn’t make me any more miserable. Instead I’m stronger to deal with it – to make this CAT known for what it is on social media. And if the CAT sycophants get more angrier, so be it. Not my concern, not my care of these ‘shiu yan’ Anyway, TQ for… Read more »
If life is presumed to be so negative, here’s my shake it off to Jay Jay A-So:
If someone or ‘it’ is no more with a heart to (socially) care for 99% of Penangites but developers’ fancies & dreams, it is better for him or ‘it’ to quit the unimaginable tough state leadership role & apply for a ready comfy job at any developer office in Cosmopolitan Penang.
And don’t waste our votes of 2-time misadventure with a faux-party of cakap tak serupa bikin(i).
TQ Yang for the timely info. Maybe spot on is my hindsight.
In many Penangite homes in inner city George Town, you will find among the Hokkiens worshipping Te Chu Kong (Deity of Earth) usually placed (on the floor) below the main hall altar like a tunnel entrance for peace & protection in their home, sweet, homes.
Now that Penang is frenziedly developed beyond recognition, corporate entities with controversial land matters should think of worshipping Te Huat-Tien Kong for peaceful, uninterrupted & uncontested development of their dreams & fancies, protected & endorsed by this Deity.
One caution: to worship this Te Huat-Tien Kong means ‘absolute-vodka’ obedience in all matters of land.
I see nothing wrong for her to accept the appointment if PCCC finds her qualified.
Semua kot bolih?
Kucing bolih nyanyi sambil tukar muka macam-macam tu Cheng Loong!!!
Really? Karma is waiting at the door of Komtar 28th Floor.
Like the saying goes: If you dare to dig out other’s dirts, be prepare all your life for others to dig more of your dirts (if any surfaces). Fair or not is another thing to argue on reincarnation.
Not a fun ‘job’ of digging other’s dirts, right?
In resort towns, working class squeezed out as rich move in.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/resort-towns-working-class-squeezed-rich-move-143803487–finance.html
Note: similarity to what is happening in Cosmopolitan Penang.
Taman Pekaka got one public green open field near Tesco Sungai Dua. Also Lip Sin homes nearby. These 2 areas near Bukit Gambier so can be ideal choices for you and family to consider…
It is a smart move for those lower income fellows to sell and profit from the sale of their old property in strategic city locations. They could relocate to lower cost area and stretch the profit gained for other purposes like children’s education and personal retirement needs.
Grapevine around Penang waiting for E&O developer to do CSR concert featuring Dasha Logan with guest David Arumugam at Straits Quay very soon.
those who anti developers can listen to Dasha on YouTube while we 99% just seize the chance to watch her live performance. I think isupercarly p may refer Julie Andrew as Mary Poppins instead coming to Penang?
The green lung next to your condominium could be replaced by rise development despite any promise by your developer. This is happening in every cities in Malaysia.
Read this article:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/why-the-green-lung-next-to-your-condo-wont-last
That is the price of city living.
So SP (not Setia) on the mainland is still a good option for retirees who do not need 4WD, but occasional pleasure in 4D.
Firstly, if you are going to do illustration, check the scale and then do it again. Its just laughable what you say if you don’t. Secondly, I will say it again, if Penang gets so high density as the alarmist says it will, you would be lucky..What most of the critics both demand and criticize are simply pipe dreams The kind of high density fear they talk about means Penang development would be amazing on a global scale resulting in so much money in Penang Govt that they could build another city somewhere else that could give the alarmist their… Read more »
Agreed fully.
The cartoonish illustration lacks professionalism and clearly has no credibility except unnecessarily stirring up the catphobia syndrome.
Are you an architect?
Cat’s eyes don’t see as well as architect.
38 storey & 48 storey high are ugly monstrous structures.
This is only one small part. The worse is yet to come. You ain’t seen nothing yet!
Paying the price of gaining ‘City’ status?
Seems like the existing residents of Batu Ferringgi want the affordable homes to stay away to keep the place exclusive only to the rich?
Tunglang, right on spot. Developer Association of Penang
This is what their affordable for a 72k unit is like. Agreement with developer. 1st agreement 72k. Supplement agreement 180k. Total 252k. Sold direct by developers and with some from the housing list. The housing list is about 250k. Developer has the option to sell these LMC for up to 400k. More like a cheap … CAT.
Can understand such frustration when many are disillusioned by the elusive dream of high income nation. SP, be it Seberang Prai or Sungai Petani, is a more realistic place to meet affordability criteria.
Cheers kopi kaw kaw.
Not the other SP … Setia?
Anil
SP Setia now not the darling of Penangites as the chief has “migrated” to EcoWorld.
EcoWorld to develop Paya Terubung with condo starts at RM800/sq feet (Eco Terraces project to start mid this year).
Many Penangites don’t grumble EcoWorld that has done CSR by offering free concert next weekend at sPICE featuring popular singer Wan LeeHom & rising star Melody Tan (8000 tickets all given out !) and not forgetting Malay singer Najwa Latiff.
We are eagerly awaiting this FOC concert !
Aiyoh, they know how to memikat hati Penangites. Public relations stunt.
Setia Sky 88 twin tower in JB, no RM1 million no talk!!! (i.e. no need to enter the showroom)
http://www.setiasky88.com.my/
Got kang tau from … Setia Kawan Ku? Can’t blame the feverish support for frenzied development in Cosmopolitan Penang without a social conscience. Let me put it this way – the need, the want & the bin-chui pursuits of housing market economy. 1) Housing is a need. iPhone is a want (for bin-chui or lifestyle tech upgrade). 2) Housing is not a luxury (generally speaking for the 99%). iPhone is a status symbol luxury (for the 1%). 3) Housing is a long term commitment. iPhone can be dispensed with anytime without pains & is a short-term commitment (according to one’s… Read more »
The domino effect of property price collapse will begin soon, likely from the oversupply at Iskandar Johor as pointed out in this article:
https://hornbillunleashed.wordpress.com/2015/01/12/67835/
Correction, SP Setia is actually the darling of the CAT. Now the darling is Eco World. If one can change darling, the people also have the right to change darling.
DAP wooed Penangites in 308 with great promises even the devils dared not think of. Now DAP has conveniently (tak perut hati) changed colors to woo developers day & night just for quick-fix development at the expense of looking to the needs (not wants) of locals & care for the environment. Some said we are stubborn grumblers, but the fact is socio-politics can change like the weather. Taiwan is one showcase of public sentiment backlash. Anilnetto is one of many warning beacons for the stubborn power that be (temporarily) to wake up to public sentiments, & not to developers fancies… Read more »
I will see (in all realities) what DAP acronym stands for: Developers Association of Penang. Anil, good luck is not what we need. An awakening to the ‘penchants’ of DAP to cakap tak serupa bikin is a 1st honest personal step (beyond relentless worshipping a Cat idol) to determine our destiny. DAP is not listening, so what use is good luck? Throw away that golden smiling Cat statue (you find in kopitiam) with a false-waving paw! Unless one is born in the 1% household of the rich & famous to withstand any inflationary tendencies or warm-up to new conceptual high-end… Read more »
tunglang
Check out Prai now. Still can commute daily to work via Ferry (2 way just RM1.20) and hop on to free shuttle courtesy of RapidPenang to work ! Leave 4WD at Prai easier to steer as the road less congested ! There are many hidden gems at Prai (not just delicious food as Heritage Penang now researching the mainland !).
Can consult Kee for S Petai option 🙂
But privatised ferry service is atrocious. Only four ferries operating at peak hours and just one from 10.0pm to 1.00am.
The engine of a ferry caught fire recently. Need more periodic maintenance.
Long-term plan is to be replaced by a tunnel?
It just needs better maintenance.
For your information, I experienced travelling in Rapid Penang buses from Farlim to Bukit Gambier & it took 3 – 3.5 hours of daily commuting, changing 2 buses.
Imagine travelling from the mainland using public transport as a downshifted lifestyle. Fancy 6 hours of daily commuting?
Henson : Don`t simply twist and turn just like the CAT. Free shuttle is not the courtesy of Rapid Penang but have to be paid by the State Govt which in turn is the rakyat people` money. How frequent is the ferry or bus shuttle. Check it out before talking nonsense. Morover price of housing in and around Prai is not cheap. Its now more than 400k for a 1000 sq ft apartment and landed house more than 500k with shop houses from 1.2 millions onwards. Unless you are willing to living in slum area flat like the one near… Read more »
Supercally : Or is it because the flat consist mostly of one particular race. Check it out and you know what I am talking just like what Waytha and Utha has been talking about Indian marginalization.
henson, RU part-time social engineer on payroll from CAT Deity?
Can you do better than Niau Kong’s selling of souls?
No Cheers Kopi-O kau kau for you.
Penang island continues to have high rise new condos as there are demand from domestic and foreign rich folks. The true bred islanders who can’t stand it afford the undenying fact myself included is to move to mainland. Let us revive mainland Prai to rival the island and tell those rich folks the true souls of Penang now move inland. We let the stubborn ones to continue grumble and be ridiculed by Richie rich. Sorry to say so.
I could be wrong here :
For every grumbled of expensive new condo to buy (very likely in late 20s n in 30s,), there is one who rejoices (50-60s) as he or she can sell high old island house to buy cheaper one in mainland with tidy profits left for retirement use?
You are right. Soon many will sell their old houses ‘en bloc’ to developers in order to cash in so that they could move to mainland with hugh cash for comfortable retirement living.
I would like to share this true story from my friend. This old couple decided to sell his big spacious Green Lane bungalow at a ‘opportune + wonderful’ price & gladly moved to mainland somewhere ulu & quiet. This after ‘pun giap-san’ (distribute property share) among their children. Staying for a few months of unanticipated type of quietness & away from friends & relatives & grandchildren, imagine their utter regrets of relocating to unfamiliar lifestyle though cheap & seeming good for retirement. Eventually, they sold off this retirement abode in mainland to ‘rotate’ staying with their children in home, sweet,… Read more »
Mainland from Bukit Tengah to Bukit Mertajam to SP are now favourite places to dump dead bodies! Peng-an meh?
Bad vibes from murders linger for a long time. Ask any fengshui master.
Repeated advice on this blog that Penang island will be plagued by high density living, traffic congestion and pollution, with local plan nowhere in sight. So better consider living in Seberang Prai to avoid such problems, while the property prices there are still affordable with lower cost of living.
Anil forgot to mention there was a good talk ;ast Friday afternoon at PISA by MPSP chief YDP Maimunah on the development plan with truly affordable and sustainable living in Prai. Even YB Chow KY mentioned the future of Penang is at Prai ! Consultant Ho Cjin Soon hinted to the audience at his speech right after Maimunah’s that SP (Sungai Petani & Prai) btter choice than Batu Kawan, and he mentioned Penang island need LRT now otherwise will lose out to JB or Greater KL in terms of human traffic(movement issue). btw, there is a coin auction at 2pm… Read more »
Batu Kawan affordable Bandar Cassia masterplan and models on display at PISA now. Today last day exhibition. Young people go booking now as you cannot afford new homes in Penang island a fact no debt no complaint.
Some want affordable homes on the Penang island, not on Batu Kawan. But some others do not want affordable home on the island to keep it exclusive. Some want affordable home but not high rise. Those cannot afford tend to be fussy and envy those who can afford. If you cannot afford then better forget about bin chui and do not take up loan to face future problems. In a free market capitalism, sadly money talks. Otherwise be contended so long as you have a roof for shelter to meet your basic need in the first level of hierarchy of… Read more »
gk ong, the problem is the CAT is too developer-friendly to be of any use to provide extensive affordable housing. What’s more in the absence of a Local Plan. You can analyse till the cows come home but the fact is CAT doesn’t give a damn. Cosmopolitan Penang portfolio is too prioritised as a political portfolio above socio-economic welfare of Penangites.
Try analyse further in a Merc S300 Lansi. Goodnight.
Bandar Cassia is an example of Penang local plan for affordable homes.
Why take up hugh loan to live in expensive units on the island when you can have debt-free living at Seberang Prai eg. Bandar Cassia?
Nowadays almost everyone is driving his own car so driving to work via the bridges should be no issue.