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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Penang state government has confirmed that there are indeed housing plans for half the MPPP land at Jalan S P Chelliah.
Today is the 25th anniversary of Operation Lalang in 1987.
The MPPP has 22 acres of land at Jalan S P Chelliah, which it could use for public purposes.
This is the MPPP letter that was circulating on the Internet which is presumably the one that has now reportedly been “withdrawn”.
It looks as if the MPPP’s announcement of a freeze in applications for high-density development has caused a stir.