The Penang government has begun a review of the Penang Structure Plan 2020 five years after it was gazetted in 2007. But what is happening to the draft Local Plan?
Penang Botanic Garden: The other lily pond
This is the other lily pond at the Penang Botanic Garden and it shows what the Garden could be like if it is designed properly.
Click on photo to enlarge
Frankenstorm Sandy: A climate change wake-up call
Superstorm Sandy that is slamming the United States is a warning about the perils of climate change. It is time to wake up and think more seriously about how our unsustainable economic model is worsening climate change and leading to rising sea levels.
Penan blockade highlights rich-poor gap
By now you may be aware of the peaceful blockade by the Penans along the road to the Murum Dam site in Sarawak – despite a virtual blackout in the mainstream media.
‘Setbacks’ for new high-rise buildings in Penang slashed (updated)
Update: A journalist informs me that the setbacks for a few established housing areas (kawasan perumahan tetap sedia ada) and areas with 87 units/acre will have their setbacks increased to 20 metres (66 feet). This may cover only a small number of projects and have the effect of limiting high-density projects in exclusive areas like Jesselton. But what about other places and other high density projects (say 30-87 units/acre)? I do hope the State Planning Committee will clarify.
Fed up with public transport in Malaysia?
If you are reluctant to give up driving because of the poor public transport in the country, then you might be interested to know that a Working Group on Public Transportation in Malaysia has been formed.
87 units/acre density: Penang Forum responds
The Penang Forum Steering Committee has responded to the issue of high density development i.e. the tripling of density permitted from 30 acres to 87 units/acre.
Jalan S P Chelliah update
The Penang state government has confirmed that there are indeed housing plans for half the MPPP land at Jalan S P Chelliah.
Operation Lalang and the lust for power
Today is the 25th anniversary of Operation Lalang in 1987.
What is happening at Jalan S P Chelliah?
The MPPP has 22 acres of land at Jalan S P Chelliah, which it could use for public purposes.