Public feedback sought for Penang South Island 2050 Local Plan

The preliminary publicity programme for the Penang South Island 2050 Local Plan (RTPSI 2050) is now open for public viewing, starting today and continuing for a week. This initiative, held at three different locations, aims to collect feedback, ideas, and suggestions from the public before the draft PSI 2050 local plan is produced.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has emphasized the importance of public participation in this preliminary publicity programme. He encouraged everyone to submit their views and suggestions, stating, “I also request that continuous dissemination be made to all parties so that no one is excluded from giving their insightful views and suggestions.”

The PSI local plan aims to incorporate national, state, and local policies aligned with the state’s smart, green, and sustainable development strategy. The Penang South Island project, also known as the Silicon Island project for Island A, is an ongoing reclamation effort off the southern coast of Penang Island, intended to create an island covering 2,300 acres of land. Chief Minister Chow highlighted that Silicon Island was designed with the best urban design practices and sustainable development principles in mind, aiming for a 45% reduction in carbon emissions and prioritizing green urban planning.

“The development of Silicon Island is also in line with the Penang Structure Plan 2030 and the advice from the National Physical Planning Council (MPFN),” said Chow.

The Penang State Town and Country Planning Department will produce the draft PSI 2050 local plan upon completion of the preliminary publicity programme. There will also be a subsequent publicity and public participation programme for the draft PSI 2050 local plan to gather additional views and feedback from stakeholders.

Penang Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee Chairman Jason H’ng described the local plan as a primary reference document for planning and development control. He stated, “The preparation of RTPSI 2050 is a key platform and pragmatic step by the state government as a noble initiative to shape new development on newly reclaimed land areas based on appropriate development controls and in line with the current state scenario.”

H’ng explained that the goal of the RTPSI 2050 study is to provide a comprehensive local plan for the reclaimed island, focusing on smart, sustainable, and resilient development. The preparation of the local plan will adhere to the legal provisions of Sections 12 to 16B of Act 172. This detailed document will include proposal maps, written statements, and implementation guidelines, serving as a primary reference for all proposals by local planning authorities regarding development and land use.

The preliminary publicity programme is being held at the JPBD office (Level 57, Komtar), the third floor of Komtar, and the Pusat Perkhidmatan Setempat Nelayan (PPSN) in Permatang Damar Laut. It is open from 8 am to 4 pm until July 29.