GEORGE TOWN: Most of the residents' requests have been incorporated into the design of the Tanjung Bungah Seaside Pocket Park, says state infrastructure committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
He said the developer agreed at the latest meeting on Oct 27 to include the requests in the park plan, including two public access points, sufficient parking bays and native coastal planting.
"Out of all the issues raised by residents, only one remains pending," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Nov 4).
Zairil said the next meeting, convened by the State Legal Adviser's Office, is scheduled for Nov 16 and will involve the developer, One Tanjong's Management Corporation, as well as PlanMalaysia, the Penang Island City Council and other state representatives.
"The state's door remains open and we encourage residents to continue raising their views through this process," he said.
On Tuesday (Nov 3), members of the Tanjung Bungah Residents' Association (TBRA) held a peaceful demonstration outside the state Legislative Assembly building in Lebuh Light to oppose the new plans for the coastal land known as "Sore Thumb".
They displayed banners and 3D models of the current and proposed park, and spoke to state opposition members about their concerns over the park's layout.
Zairil, who is the Tanjung Bungah assemblyman, questioned the protest, saying discussions were ongoing and most of the residents' requests had been taken into account.
"The residents have been involved in discussions since December 2025, with most of their requests incorporated into the plan for the park.
"With only one issue remaining unresolved and due to be discussed in two weeks, it is fair to ask whose interests are being championed through the protest at this stage.
"Tanjung Bungah is a large and diverse community, and this park is meant for all its residents.
"The state will continue to listen to voices in the community, but we urge the same community groups to continue working within the process rather than outside it," he said.
Zairil said the park is being built at no cost to taxpayers.
"Like any project, the final plan must pass safety and environmental checks by the relevant agencies.
"Once complete, it will be open to everyone.
"Our goal has not changed. We want a safe, public seaside park for Tanjung Bungah," he said.
Earlier, TBRA chairman Zulfikar Abdul Aziz was reported as saying that residents were questioning the state government's apparent silence on their proposal for a coastal nature park at Sore Thumb.
"They are allowing public coastal land to be used for a private five-storey wellness centre.
"Nearly 20 years after residents began campaigning to save the Sore Thumb as a public coastal park, the fight is still not over.
"We want the wildlife conserved instead of unnecessarily reshaping it. We want a public park, but not at the expense of the natural environment it should protect," he said.
Zulfikar said residents did not welcome the developer's plans to lower the lush hill from 18m to 6m, remove mature vegetation and build a massive concrete seawall along the public shoreline.
He said a coastal park should coexist with nature, not destroy it to accommodate unnecessary facilities.
