GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government will await further action from the developer of the hostel for foreign workers in Teluk Kumbar, whether to proceed with the construction or amend the project.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this was because the developer of the project had heard objections from local residents, through the committee opposing the proposed construction of a hostel for foreign workers.
"Everyone can continue with what they want. If they (the locals) want to continue protesting, they can continue protesting.
For the developer, they had heard the objection. So, it is up to them whether they want to continue or amend, reduce the scale of the project or anything.
"We are awaiting the developer's decision. We cannot stop anyone from submitting an application," he said after officiating the opening of the Marriott Hotel here today.
Prior to this, the Penang government said it would leave it to the committee opposing the proposed construction of the hostel for foreign workers in Teluk Kumbar and the developer to work out an amicable solution.
The state government also denied washing its hands off the matter. (https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/02/1008954/chow-let-panel-sort-o...)
Last December, more than 1,000 local residents in Teluk Kumbar held a peaceful demonstration to protest and urge the Penang government to immediately cancel the project, which is said to be able to accommodate more than 30,000 foreign workers in the area.
Meanwhile, Chow said approval had only been granted for one hostel for foreign workers in Teluk Kumbar, which is in Bandar Baru Perda.
According to him, planning permission is a permission that has conditions to be followed by the developer, such as the need to repair roads, repair junctions and so on.
"So, it is up to the applicant (developer) whether they are able or not to fulfil the conditions (in the planning permission)," he added.