GEORGE TOWN: A heated exchange broke out when Mohamad Shukor Zakariah (PAS–Pulau Betong) questioned the approval for a foreign workers’ dormitory in Teluk Kumbar.
This led to local government, town and country planning committee chairman Jason H’ng repeating that the state cannot cancel an approval once issued.
“Let me say this clearly, once the state government has approved the project, the state government has no right to withdraw it halfway,” he said.
He said the Teluk Kumbar Centralised Labour Quarters application went through the full One Stop Centre process and objections must use the appeal mechanism.
“All procedures must be followed,” he said.
“If YB Pulau Betong disagreed, the matter should have been raised at the correct stage,” added H’ng.
He said the state cannot cancel it on behalf of the developer.
When Mohamad Shukor said the community strongly opposes the project, H’ng responded with a question.
“Do you want foreign workers staying beside your home without any proper regulation? That is why CLQs exist, to ensure safety, order and accountability,” he said.
“Without proper accommodation, the issues would be far worse,” he added.
H’ng said the state reviewed all memoranda and letters from residents.
“We take every complaint seriously. All letters sent to the Chief Minister have been forwarded to me for follow up. Once approval is granted, the only way the project can stop is if the developer withdraws,” he said.
In a written response, H’ng explained the rationale for approving CLQs.
He said such facilities provide a controlled environment that strengthens monitoring, enforcement and public health management.
