THE Penang government is still awaiting a report from the state secretary’s office over the lighting issue at an apartment building in Jelutong which allegedly portrayed the image of a Christian cross.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the residential project had yet to acquire a certificate of completion and compliance and that the developer was currently testing the facilities, including the lighting system.

“We have yet to get an explanation from the developer on why the lights were lit up in such a manner, but the picture taken after, when more lights were switched on, shows a normal view.

“I believe this is not a place of worship or church, but an apartment building,” he told reporters after opening the Evolve Final Year 2019 exhibition organised by KDU Penang University College in George Town today.

Recently, the image of an apartment building in Jelutong showing a cross made using the building’s lights caused displeasure among some residents in the nearby area.

“It is understood that they have lodged a police report on the matter.

Yesterday, Penang Mufti Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor urged the local authorities to direct the developer of the housing project to change the position of the building’s lights so that they do not form a cross.

Chow said he did not feel it was something done deliberately to hurt people’s feelings, but rather said it was part of the “built environment”.

However, he reminded all parties to respect the sensitivities of others, and have mutual understanding. – Bernama, January 12, 2019.