Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) has dismissed claims that construction of a centre for the Indian community to perform last rites in Tanjung Langsat is being delayed.
Mayor Datuk Asman Shah Abd Rahman said MBPG had never intentionally delayed the centre’s construction and was looking at all aspects of the project, especially public safety.
“We have carried out a more detailed study and found that the industrial area is not ideal for the centre.
“We are also looking at relocating the Pasir Gudang Estuarine Crocodile Sanctuary, which is located in Tanjung Langsat too.
“We do not want any activities involving the public in that area as there are many oil tanks around, which present a safety issue,” he said after launching SJ Holdings Bhd’s centralised sewerage treatment plant in Jalan Keluli 11 in Pasir Gudang, Johor.
Asman Shah was commenting on a proposed RM1.3mil project in Tanjung Langsat that has been pending since November last year.
He said MBPG wanted to ensure that all projects were done properly and systematically to prevent any issues in the future.
“We are not only listening to the views of one group, but those of all stakeholders,” he added.
Asman Shah also denied MIC’s claim that MBPG had been reluctant to share information on the project’s progress.
“They (MIC) did not contact me and I have met state executive councillor K. Raven Kumar at many events but he did not bring this matter up,” he said.
Johor MIC chief R. Vidyananthan had told The Star recently that the project had not progressed since its ground- breaking ceremony in November.
“RM1mil was allocated to carry out the project initially.
“MBPG, which was tasked with realising the project, then asked for another RM300,000.
“Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has given the extra allocation but until today, no action has been taken with regard to this project,” he said.
Vidyananthan said he was given the runaround when he tried to obtain information from MBPG and the Mentri Besar’s office on the project’s status.
On a separate matter, Asman Shah said MBPG was building centralised labour quarters (CLQ) for foreign workers living in Pasir Gudang.
“The CLQ will be in compliance with the Labour Department’s Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities (Amendment) Act 2019 (Act 446).
“It will also be equipped with clinics and shops for workers.
“We have appointed two companies to set up the CLQ at two locations and they are coming up with a draft for the projects.
“We expect to have the buildings completed in about 30 months’ time,” he said, adding that the CLQs were expected to accommodate 12,000 workers at a time.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
