Zulfikar (left) objects to changing RSNPP 2030’s hill slope development policy especially with the unpredictable weather. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
CIVIL society groups are appalled at Penang’s move to reassess a long-standing rule that bars development on hills more than 76m above sea level despite deadly landslides in the past.
They warned that relaxing the rule would enable developers to build more apartments and heighten the risk of slope failure and landslides.
Tanjung Bungah Residents’ Association (TBRA) chairman Zulfikar Abdul Aziz said their objection was not just about protecting hills but also low-lying areas which could be affected, especially with the unpredictable weather.
“There is plenty of development on low ground which means more people are in danger and need protection from projects that can cause damage or injury,” he said during TBRA’s visit to the public display of the Penang Structure Plan 2040 (RSNPP 2040) at Komtar.
The RSNPP 2040 is pitching several changes to RSNPP 2030, including a review of development height policies and the coordination of environmentally sensitive areas.
Penang local government, town and country planning committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye had earlier said one of the key elements under review is the policy that prohibited development above 76m.
He said the review considered the state’s limited land availability and the concentration of environmentally sensitive areas.
Zulfikar said RSNPP 2030 was still in effect and the state should focus on that before planning for 2040.
“The RSNPP 2030 prohibits development above 76m or on slopes steeper than 25 degrees for a good reason.
“Even on higher ground there are only small pockets of space.
“If these are developed, more roads will have to be built and that is bad for the environment.”
He said Penang has one of the highest numbers of unoccupied properties and questioned the need to continue building.
“Announcing a review will only attract developers hoping to build here.”
Zulfikar also urged the state to extend the exhibition period, saying 30 days is too short.
“It is December. Many people are away for the holidays. We need more time.”
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) president Meenakshi Raman rejected the attempt to reverse the current restriction.
“This would be a grave folly, especially with rising climate change.
“The policy exists because we have seen landslides and slope failures in the past that took lives and damaged properties.
“The state should enhance climate resilience by retaining and strengthening the restriction, not weakening it,” she said.
Meenakshi said recent severe floods in Hat Yai, Thailand, and Aceh, Indonesia, illustrated the destruction caused by intense rain.
“Malaysia is not spared.
“Reversing a good policy on hill slopes will not help us.
“The state must place public and environmental safety ahead of pressure from developers.”
The state plans to gazette the RSNPP 2040 in the third quarter of 2026.
The deadline to submit views, suggestions or objections is Dec 23.
The public display of RSNPP 2040 is being held at four places: the Level 3 and Level 57 concourse of Komtar, Penang Island City Council and Seberang Perai City Council.
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