GEORGE TOWN: Penang’s opposition is calling for a review of permit issuance by local councils for entertainment centres in the state.
While Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow was giving his winding-up speech for the state budget today, opposition leader Datuk Jahara Hamid (BN-Teluk Ayer Tawar) interjected and questioned the permit approval process.
Earlier, Chow said that the licenses for entertainment outlets had been approved because there were no objections or reports from residents staying nearby.
"The reason given was illogical. Problems will only be experienced after such outlets are set up, not before.
"I urge the state government to review the issuance of permits after getting feedback from local authorities before the licenses are given," she said at the State Legislative Assembly sitting here.
Previously, Jahara revealed that the state government had ignored police's advice and approved operating licences for entertainment outlets since 2008.
She said both the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) had issued a total of 121 licences to such outlets.
They include 84 licences for family entertainment outlets, 34 for karaoke centres, two for snooker centres and one for a massage centre.
Today, Chow said that the licenses were issued after considering feedback from other authorities, including the respective district offices.