GEORGE TOWN: The proposed large-scale redevelopment of 5.36ha in Pengkalan Weld must not come at the expense of heritage preservation, environmental sustainability and the welfare of long-established communities, said Datuk Tan Teik Cheng.
The MCA vice-president said that while development is inevitable for a growing state like Penang, it must be carried out responsibly and transparently, particularly as the project lies within the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site enclave.
“Progress cannot be pursued blindly. Any redevelopment within a World Heritage Site carries a higher duty of care.
“The state government must ensure that heritage conservation, community well-being and accountability are not sidelined,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (Feb 11).
Tan questioned whether assurances of a one-to-one replacement arrangement for affected families were sufficient, noting that compensation should go beyond physical relocation.
“Have the authorities adequately addressed livelihood disruption, the breakdown of social networks and the loss of cultural fabric built over generations? Monetary compensation alone cannot replace a community’s shared history and way of life,” he said.
He also raised concerns over the long-term impact of large-scale development on Penang’s identity, warning against overdevelopment that could erode the island’s distinctive character.
He said George Town’s UNESCO status is not just a label, but that its living heritage, human-scale streetscapes and unique urban landscape are what attract both domestic and international tourists.
He said turning Penang into a concrete jungle risks undermining this competitive advantage.
Tan called on the state government to publicly disclose clear redevelopment guidelines and safeguards to protect Penang’s World Heritage status, including whether heritage impact assessments have been conducted.
He said key questions on the proposed development remain unanswered.
“How will building heights, density and design be controlled to ensure compliance with conservation guidelines?” he asked.
He also urged for meaningful and continuous public consultation, rather than what he described as a mere procedural exercise.
“Detailed masterplans, traffic impact assessments and social impact studies must be made accessible for public scrutiny. Development must be people-centric, environmentally responsible and sensitive to heritage,” he said.
Tan reiterated that while development is unavoidable, it must be sustainable, transparent and firmly anchored in accountability to the people of Penang.
The Star on Feb 11 reported that the land, roughly the size of almost eight World Cup football fields, is slated for redevelopment.
Owned by the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), the land is under a request for proposal (RFP) calling for parties to purchase and develop the parcel.
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Tan Teik Cheng, MCA Vice-President, Redevelopment, Penang, Heritage, Pengkalan Weld, George Town, Unesco World Heritage,
