Barisan in sync with 70% of Penang Forum Agenda

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Barisan Nasional is on the same page with Penang Forum Agenda 2018 on the topics of land reclamation, density and open space.

State Barisan chairman Teng Chang Yeow (pic) said the coalition’s manifesto was clear as they pledged to proclaim the highland and hillslope areas of 250ft above sea level as a permanent forest reserve.

In regards to traffic and flood, he said they would also implement the Penang Flood Mitigation Plan and plant more trees on hillside areas.

“We are in agreement with about 70% of the Penang Forum Agenda 2018 formulated by Penang Forum.

“It is important for us to engage with Penang Forum to gain a better understanding, and close the gap for a better Penang,” he told a press conference yesterday.

Penang Forum is a loose coalition of non-political civil society groups.

Teng highlighted that Penang Forum’s housing-related agenda was also addressed which includes the introduction of a Rent-to-Own housing scheme and the enforcement of a ruling requiring housing developers to build a 30% quota of low-cost, low medium-cost and People’s Housing Project (PPR) in the project location.

He added that Barisan’s agenda was inclusive of youth, women and students who will benefit from the Penang Education Foundation set up to pay the university admission fees of those eligible.

Also present was Barisan’s Pantai Jerejak candidate Oh Tong Keong who added that the public housing rental scheme would also feature provision for tenants under the poor and disabled category, including the delivery of RM40,000 low-cost units and RM80,000 to RM120,000 medium-cost units.