GEORGE TOWN: Penang authorities demolish Waterfall Cafe in George Town after failed talks over relocation and unpaid rent, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
All active negotiations between the Penang State Government and affected stakeholders, including Waterfall Cafe, to find a fair and practical solution to the issue that has persisted since 1990, have failed, resulting in its demolition on Tuesday (April 28).
Chow said the North East District Land Administrator issued vacate notices on Jan. 4, 2024. He said Waterfall Cafe had not complied with those notices as of Tuesday.
"Despite the rental arrears, the state government, through the Northeast District and Land Office, has offered Waterfall Cafe several options to relocate and continue operations, including two units in a multi-storey car park (commercial plaza) for the upcoming Bukit Bendera cable car project, as well as a temporary site during the construction period.
"Unfortunately, these options were rejected without clear justification even though they were offered in good faith to support business continuity," he said in a statement on Tuesday.
Chow said a meeting on June 19, 2023 agreed on relocation and payment of rent arrears; however, the agreement was not carried out.
He said the Land Office issued an eviction notice on Jan. 4, 2024 and held talks from Feb. 19, 2024. He said a final notice was issued on April 15, 2026 before enforcement action on Tuesday.
Earlier, the cafe located near the entrance to the Botanical Gardens was demolished by the authorities, it drew reactions on social media and from local residents. – Bernama
